Nehemiah Elder Shines at IWF Weight-Lifting Championship with Three Gold Medals

Nehemiah Elder, a 16-year-old weight-lifter from Fiji, won three gold medals at the 2025 IWF Youth and Junior Championships in Lima, Peru, standing out as the only under-17 competitor in his division. He lifted a total of 322 kilograms, reflecting a remarkable improvement from his prior competition. His achievements, supported by rigorous training and his father’s coaching, highlight Fiji’s potential in weight-lifting.

Nehemiah Elder, a 16-year-old weight-lifter from Fiji, faced a whirlwind of nerves before taking to the platform, yet he emerged with an incredible triumph at the recent 2025 IWF Youth and Junior Championships held in Lima, Peru. “I had a lot of nerves here because it’s by far the biggest competition I’ve been to, but I really enjoyed it,” he shared with the IWF media.

Elder’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary, as he clinched three gold medals, demonstrating his prowess among approximately 500 young lifters representing 85 countries over six rigorous days of competition. He competed in the 89 kilograms A Division and stood out as the sole under-17 athlete in a demanding lineup, securing gold medals in all three categories, lifting 152 kilograms in the snatch and 180 kilograms in the clean and jerk, totaling 322 kilograms.

Interestingly, Elder nearly reached a final lift of 188 kilograms, showcasing a remarkable improvement of 70 kilograms from his previous IWF competition held 14 months earlier. Prior to this success, he trained across Samoa and Australia and had recorded lifts of 142 kilograms in the snatch and 175 kilograms in the clean and jerk while participating in a Brisbane invitational.

The young athlete attributed his achievements to divine support. “God’s been with me for constant training and belief,” he expressed. As a home-schooled individual, Elder dedicates himself fully to weight-lifting, often attending specialized camps in Samoa and Australia to hone his skills.

His father, Henry Elder, who also serves as Fiji’s weight-lifting coach, remarked about Nehemiah’s accomplishments, highlighting the untapped potential within Fiji’s youth. “There are so many kids with the physique and explosive power, a lot of them on farms,” he noted. “They’re all drawn to rugby, but we want them in the greatest sport of all.”

Looking ahead, Nehemiah is eager to maintain his course. “I’ll just do whatever my coach tells me like I always do,” he concluded, emphasizing his commitment to following guidance and developing further in the sport.

Nehemiah Elder has made a significant mark in the realm of weight-lifting, securing three gold medals at the 2025 IWF Youth and Junior Championships. His journey reflects both personal determination and the broader potential of Fiji’s youth in sports. With a continued focus on training and guidance from his coach, Elder is poised for future success and serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere.

Original Source: www.fijitimes.com.fj

About Carmen Mendez

Carmen Mendez is an engaging editor and political journalist with extensive experience. After completing her degree in journalism at Yale University, she worked her way up through the ranks at various major news organizations, holding positions from staff writer to editor. Carmen is skilled at uncovering the nuances of complex political scenarios and is an advocate for transparent journalism.

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