1 February, 2026, 3:48 am Central - 24°C Clouds

Pacific Mini Games: Marist student Nehemiah Elder wins three gold and breaks nine records

Pacific Mini Games: Marist student Nehemiah Elder wins three gold and breaks nine records

By Iliana Biutu
05/07/2025
Photo:Team Fiji

16-year-old Marist Brothers High School student, Nehemiah Elder made history at the Pacific Mini Games in Palau, winning three gold medals and breaking nine records in the Men’s 88kg weightlifting category.

Elder says his hard work and sacrifice have led to his success.

He also acknowledged the Lord Almighty, saying he is always amazed by his ways.

Elder says his goal was to win gold at this event, and he achieved it.

The 16-year-old says that despite dealing with injuries and other challenges, nothing could deter his focus during the past few months of preparation.

He also dedicated his win to his mother, who has supported him throughout his journey.

Taniela Rainibogi won one gold in the 160 kilogram Snatch, silver overall for the 356 kilogram total and bronze in the Clean and Jerk with 196 kilograms.

Rainibogi says coming into this game is not easy because he is also suffering from injuries however, the passion drove him and he was able to participate.

In other results for Fiji, swimmers Thaddeus Kwong, Samuel Yalimaiwai, Hansel McCaig and Tolu Young won silver in the Men’s 400 metres medley relay while the Women’s 400 metres medley relay team also won silver, Hansel McCaig took silver in the Men’s 50 metres Freestyle event while Tolu Young won gold in the Men’s Freestyle final.

Para athletes Merewalesi Roden and Akanisi Latu claimed silver in the Singles Wheelchair Class 1–5 event.

Tahiti maintains its lead with 51 gold, 30 silver and 17 bronze, Samoa is in second place with 23 gold, 10 silver and 17 bronze, Australia is in third place with 17 gold, 8 silver and 10 bronze while Fiji is in fourth place with 15 gold, 23 silver and 17 bronze.

Coming up today, Weightlifting kicks off at 2pm, followed by the Fiji vs Palau basketball clash at 4:30pm.

Stay with us for more updates.

<
@fijivillage.com

Interview with Taniela Rainibogi after winning gold, silver, and bronze in the Men’s 110kg category Video:Team Fiji #fiji #fyp

♬ original sound - fijivillage
FNRL
FEATURE NEWS
Singapore 7s: Fiji to play New Zealand at 6.52pm in first Cup semi
The Fiji Airways Men's National side will play New Zealand in the first Cup semi final at 6.52pm.This is after they beat South Africa 24-19 in extra t...
3 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Singapore 7s: Ditavutu double helps Fijiana thump Japan 34-12
The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s side has finally won a game at the Singapore 7s after thumping Japan 34-12 in their last pool game.However, this win will ...
4 hours ago

Millions of Epstein files released
Millions of new files relating to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have been released by the US Department of Justice, marking the largest ...
10 hours ago

WAF planned works at Tamavua Water Treatment Plant will cause reduced water supply
Thousands of residents supplied by the Tamavua Water Treatment Plant are expected to experience reduced water pressure or intermittent supply as the ...
12 hours ago

Fuel prices to go down while gas to go up from tomorrow
Good news as fuel prices will go down, however, people will need to pay more for gas from tomorrow. The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission ...
13 hours ago

Water supply has been restored this morning to residents living in elevated areas of Lami
Water supply has been restored this morning to residents living in elevated areas of Lami as the Water Authority of Fiji continues work to restore ...
15 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Ailava Samuels to represent Fiji in Miss Pacific Pageant
Miss Fiji 2025 first runner-up and Miss Nasinu, Ailava Samuels, has been officially appointed as Fiji’s representative to next month's Miss ...
10 days ago

Referendum Bill risks undermining democracy - Dialogue Fiji
The National Referendum Bill risks undermining democracy by criminalising political expression, enabling state overreach and excluding young people ...
11 days ago

Shocking move : FNU reassigned under PM
The Fiji National University is being reassigned under the Prime Minister's Office Ministerial Portfolio via the Ministry of Strategic Planning, ...
12 days ago

TOP