An incredible lift by young John Tafi in the 73kg weight category secured Samoa’s first gold at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2024 in Suva Fiji on Wednesday evening.
John has also set a new Commonwealth and Oceania Record. His spot in the 2026 Commonwealth has also been cemented.
A post made by the official Samoa Weightlifting Federation page states: “Glory goes back to God for today. Special acknowledgement to NBS- National Bank of Samoa, Pacific Aus Sports, Government of Samoa and Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee. Faafetai Samoa mo lou tapuaiga.”
Meanwhile, Nevo Ioane has settled for a bronze medal in the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in the 67kg division. He missed the gold medal in his last attempt.
In a statement released by Samoa Weightlifting Federation on their official Facebook page, the federation said they will continue to give thanks to God.
“Nevo Ioane was first up for Samoa this morning for the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Suva Fiji. Nevo won a bronze medal in the Mens 67kg, just missing the last attempt to clinch the Gold medal.Glory goes back to God.”
Nevo has also secured his spot in the upcoming Commonwealth Games 2026 which will be held in Glasgow, Scotland.
The 36-year-old had competed in the 62kg event at the Commonwealth Games where he also won a bronze medal. He won a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in the 67kg division.
He was also the first one to win a gold medal for Samoa in the Commonwealth Championships in Delhi India.
