Nehemiah Elder, 16, captured three gold medals at the 2025 IWF Youth and Junior Championships in Peru, impressively lifting a total of 322kg. Competing in the 89kg A Division, he stands out as the only under-17 lifter amid fierce competition. His father, Henry Elder, notes the potential of young athletes in Fiji, advocating for a shift towards weight-lifting. Nehemiah remains focused on training and taking advice from his coach for future competitions.
Nehemiah Elder, a rising star in the weight-lifting community, overcame his pre-competition nerves to become a national hero, winning three gold medals at the 2025 IWF Youth and Junior Championships held in Lima, Peru. The 16-year-old from Tunuloa, Cakaudrove, stood out among nearly 500 competitors from 85 countries, solidifying Fiji’s presence on the international stage during this six-day event, which concluded today.
Elder’s compelling performance in the 89 kilograms A Division placed him ahead of older competitors, making him the only under-17 lifter in a highly competitive field. He successfully lifted 152 kilograms in the snatch and 180 kilograms in the clean and jerk, bringing his total to an impressive 322 kilograms. Unfortunately, he narrowly missed a final lift of 188 kilograms. Notably, Elder has made significant progress since the last IWF competition, improving his weight by 70 kilograms over the past 14 months.
Training in Samoa and Australia has clearly paid off for Elder, who previously lifted 142 kilograms in the snatch and 175 kilograms in the clean and jerk at a Brisbane invitational. “God’s been with me for constant training and belief,” Elder shared, highlighting his commitment to the sport. Being home-schooled, he dedicates his time primarily to weight lifting, attending rigorous training camps abroad that have honed his skills.
His father, Henry Elder, who also serves as the Fiji weight-lifting coach, expressed immense pride in his son’s accomplishments. In an interview with The Fiji Times, he emphasized Fiji’s untapped potential in weight lifting. “There are so many kids with the physique and explosive power, a lot of them on farms,” he noted.
Many young athletes are often drawn to rugby, but the coach is eager to see them explore the sport of weight lifting instead. Nehemiah echoed his father’s sentiments about the future, stating, “I’ll just do whatever my coach tells me like I always do,” underscoring his respect for guidance and discipline in sport.
Nehemiah Elder’s victory at the IWF Youth and Junior Championships not only marks a significant personal achievement but also highlights the promising talent emerging from Fiji’s weight-lifting community. With his sights set on the future and the backing of his father and coach, Elder represents a new generation of athletes that could put Fiji firmly on the map in international weight lifting. His dedication and hard work could inspire many young Fijians entering the sport.
Original Source: www.fijitimes.com.fj
