Nehemiah Elder, at just 16, won three gold medals at the 2025 IWF Youth and Junior Championships in Lima, marking a significant achievement for Fiji. Competing in a tough category, he lifted a total of 322 kg, improving his personal best by 70 kg. Strongly supported by his coach and father, Elder is set to follow through with his training and aspirations in weightlifting.
Nehemiah Elder, a 16-year-old weightlifter, recently stunned the crowd by winning three gold medals at the 2025 IWF Youth and Junior Championships in Lima, Peru. Despite feeling intense nerves before stepping onto the platform, Elder found strength in the moment, embodying one of Fiji’s proudest sporting achievements. This event showcased around 500 young athletes from 85 nations over a massive six-day competition with 26 sessions across two different platforms.
Competing in the 89 kilograms A Division, Elder not only stood out but also proved to be the only under-17 lifter in a challenging group. He successfully lifted 152 kilograms in the snatch and followed that with an impressive 180 kilograms in the clean and jerk, totaling a remarkable 322 kilograms. Although he barely missed a lift of 188 kilograms, his overall performance marked a significant improvement—up 70 kilograms since his last IWF competition held 14 months earlier.
Elder’s training has taken him across borders, including sessions in Samoa and Australia. At a recent Brisbane invitational, he managed to lift 142 kilograms in the snatch and 175 kilograms during the clean and jerk. The young lifter expressed his gratitude when he said, “God’s been with me for constant training and belief.” His commitment stems from a full-time dedication to the sport, as he is homeschooled, which allows him to focus on weightlifting.
In an interview, Elder emphasized the hard work he has put in, stating, “In that time, I’ve trained hard, been to camps in Samoa and Australia.” His father and coach, Henry Elder, noted that Nehemiah’s achievements highlight Fiji’s untapped potential in the sport of weightlifting. “There are so many kids with the physique and explosive power, a lot of them on farms,” he explained, lamenting the fact that many are drawn towards rugby rather than powerlifting.
Nehemiah is now looking ahead, underlining that he will follow his coach’s advice as he continues in the sport. “I’ll just do whatever my coach tells me like I always do,” he stated confidently. With such a strong start, it’s clear that Elder has a bright future ahead in the world of weightlifting, representing Fiji on an international stage.
Nehemiah Elder’s performance at the IWF Youth and Junior Championships has not only earned him three gold medals but showcased his potential as a promising athlete in weightlifting. His commitment, reflected in extensive training and family support, paves the way for future success in a sport often overshadowed by others. With aspirations to continue following his coach’s guidance, Elder signifies a bright future in Fiji’s weightlifting lineage.
Original Source: www.fijitimes.com.fj
