Nehemiah Elder Bags Three Gold Medals at IWF Championship in Peru

Nehemiah Elder, a 16-year-old weightlifter from Fiji, achieved a remarkable feat at the 2025 IWF Youth and Junior Championships in Lima, Peru, winning three gold medals in the 89 kg A Division. Competing against 500 athletes from around the world, he lifted a total of 322 kg, showcasing his impressive skill and hard work. Supported by his coach and father, Elder represents Fiji’s potential in weightlifting.

Nehemiah Elder, a 16-year-old weightlifter, transformed his nerves into triumph at the 2025 IWF Youth and Junior Championships held in Lima, Peru. Competing against around 500 young athletes from 85 nations, he achieved what many consider one of Fiji’s notable international sporting moments. Elder expressed his excitement, stating, “I had a lot of nerves here because it’s by far the biggest competition I’ve been to, but I really enjoyed it.”

Over the course of six days consisting of 26 sessions on two platforms, Elder showcased remarkable skill in the 89 kilograms A Division. He not only won three gold medals but became the only under-17 lifter in a highly competitive field. His impressive lifts included 152kg in the snatch and 180kg in the clean and jerk, totaling 322kg. Remarkably, he missed a final lift of 188kg but still exhibited a significant improvement of 70kg from his last IWF competition 14 months prior.

The young lifter, who has prepared intensively in Samoa and Australia, previously recorded lifts of 142kg in the snatch and 175kg in the clean and jerk at a Brisbane invitational. Reflecting on his journey, Elder attributed his success to faith and hard work, remarking, “God’s been with me for constant training and belief. I am home-schooled, so I’m pretty much a full-time weight-lifter.” He also shared insights into his rigorous training, which incorporated several camps overseas.

Henry Elder, Nehemiah’s father and coach for Weightlifting Fiji, emphasized the untapped potential within the nation. He remarked on the numerous young athletes with the right physique and explosive power, many of whom are currently drawn to rugby. “There are so many kids with the physique and explosive power, a lot of them on farms,” he stated. His vision is to encourage these athletes to consider weightlifting as a serious sport.

Looking ahead, Nehemiah is committed to following his coach’s guidance and continuing to hone his skills. His focus remains steady as he prepares for future competitions. “I’ll just do whatever my coach tells me like I always do,” he affirmed. Elder’s accomplishment not only highlights his talent but showcases Fiji’s promising future in weightlifting.

In summary, Nehemiah Elder’s performance at the IWF Youth and Junior Championships marks a significant achievement in Fiji’s weightlifting history. Winning three gold medals at such a prestigious competition demonstrates his dedication and talent. Supported by his father and coach, there is a growing potential for weightlifting in Fiji, with more young athletes encouraged to pursue the sport. Elder’s journey continues as he remains focused on training and competing in the future.

Original Source: www.fijitimes.com.fj