Samoa’s weightlifting team won eight gold medals, one silver and one bronze and broke four Commonwealth and four Oceania records as they created history at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship in Suva, Fiji.
The entire team has qualified for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
On the last day of the competition, Lesila Fiapule won a gold medal in the women’s 87+ kgs Senior Division. She lifted 45 kilograms more than her closest rival.
Nanai Livi claimed Samoa’s only silver medal in the Men’s 109kgs. Nanai set his new personal best total. The last lifter to take the stage was Sanele Mao powering up 220kg in the clean and jerk to win the Men’s 109+ kg. He missed his opportunity at a Commonwealth record in his last attempt with 237 kg in the clean and jerk.
With all the lifters getting medals, all have also secured their spots in the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
In a post on their official Facebook account, the lifters said they give back the glory to God, and acknowledged all sponsors and supporters.
Nevo Ioane won the only bronze medal for Samoa in the 67kgs division, followed by John Tafi’s gold medal in the 73kgs. The record breaker and youngest lifter, Sieni Stowers won two gold medals. Followed by the Opeloge siblings, Jack, Don and their youngest sister Avatu who claimed three gold medals for Samoa.