Latest news with #DavidLiti
RNZ News
06-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
NZ team flagbearer David Liti lifts through grief to win double gold at Pacific Mini Games
David Liti won two gold medals in the 110kg+ clean and jerk and the men's overall, and a silver in the snatch. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Coco Lance Aotearoa's champion Tongan-Kiwi weightlifter David Liti has dominated at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games, bringing home two gold medals, in the 110kg+ clean and jerk and the men's overall, and a silver in the snatch on Saturday. Liti's performance was a boost for the New Zealand weightlifting team, who finished the Mini Games with a total of eight medals: two gold, three silver, and three bronze. The lead-up to the Mini Games, however, was anything but easy for Liti. The second youngest of eleven siblings, he has spent the past month grieving the loss of his mother Sisi Luisa to cancer. With limited time and focus for training ahead of the competition in Palau, Liti admitted he hadn't expected to perform at his best, or find success on the platform. "I took a lot of time off…with my mum being sick and passing away in the last month," he said. "Mentally, it was a little bit tough, but I knew I had to come back for her. My mum would be angry at me if I didn't. "It was a really awkward, weird, successful day," Liti said. "I did not come in expecting to take home gold, but with a little bit of last-minute plans and tactical plays outside in the back room, we managed to surpass all those hurdles and come out with the gold today." In saying that, he came and did what he "needed to do". "After these past few months,we did what we needed to do. We came into this slowly…I mean, there's always room for improvement. But today is done - whatever is done is done - and I'm happy," Liti said. Looking ahead, Liti is focused on what's next, with the Commonwealth Championships in India just weeks away and bigger competitions, such as the 2026 Commonwealth Games, on the horizon. "The build-up from now is to be at peak performance by India, which is another seven to eight weeks from here, and then just carry on to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow," Liti said. Alongside Liti, teammates Tui-Alofa Patol, 34, and Judy Soloai, 30, added to Team NZ medal tally with three bronze medals. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Coco Lance Within the space of a year, Tui-Alofa Patolo and Judy Soloai have taken the weightlifting scene by storm while holding down full-time jobs and only recently stepping into the sport. Alongside Liti, teammates Patolo, 34, and Soloai, 30, added to the team's medal tally with three bronze medals. Soloai claimed bronze in both the women's 86kg+ clean and jerk and the overall total, while Patolo secured bronze in the 86kg+ snatch. The success of both has been impressive, with both weighlifters having only joined the sport within the year. Soloai said that she had initially got into it as a mental outlet. "My full-time job is as a forensic mental health clinician in Hawkes Bay prison," she said. "I think with the mental capacity it takes for me to be at my job, I needed something that was going to be an outlet…I wanted to be active, you know, just something that's more healthier for me." In October 2024, she tested the waters with weightlifting, and discovered she was a natural talent. "I didn't realise how naturally strong I was. I met some people... and they kind of encouraged me to pick it up as a sport." Encouraged by those around her, the results came quickly. "On my second competition, which was a week after my first, I did get a podium. I hit some numbers that I didn't realise were really good nationally." That moment changed things for Soloai, and she had nothing to lose by pursuing the sport. "I thought, you know what? If this is an advantage for me, why not? I've got nothing to lose... and it's just been really, really good. "I've excelled really fast. This is a sport I think a lot our Pacific and Maori women would thrive in - so people should get in there. It takes consistency and effort to get where you want to be, but it's so worth it." Alongside Soloai, Patolo has enjoyed similar success, although she almost didn't make it to the Mini Games. After qualifying earlier in the year, she was unsure about committing to the trip. "I actually wasn't gonna come," Patolo said. "I just have a lot going on in my own life. But not everyone gets this opportunity, and what have I got to lose? I've got everything to gain." It was Soloai's decision to go that ultimately encouraged her. "If it wasn't for Judy coming as well, I would have never come," Patolo laughed. "We just really support each other." Another source of support is her husband, who said that her husband helped put together make-shift weights at home so that she could train in the garden. Similarly to Soloai, Patolo only joined the sport earlier on in 2024, and leads a busy life as a full-time Court Reporter for the Ministry of Justice, so she aims to train intensively around three times a week. She is also soaking in the successes attributed to her newfound success. "With what Judy said…the invitation [to join] is not just to young women, it's also to the older wāhine. Because I'm 34...I just think, just get amongst it. You might surprise yourself."
RNZ News
03-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
A glimpse into the 2025 Pacific Mini Games - voices of athletes in Palau
2025 Palau Mini Games enters its fifth day of competition on Friday. Photo: Facebook / Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games The 2025 Pacific Mini Games has been a colourful affair so far, bringing together 23 Pacific nations to compete in a variety of sports in the Micronesian nation of Palau. The Mini Games kicked off on Sunday with a lively opening ceremony and will run through 9 July. Amid the action and energy in Palau on Thursday, RNZ Pacific caught up with a few athletes on the ground to hear about their experiences so far. Weightlifters Louise Richards and Vernon Taylor Photo: RNZ Pacific/Coco Lance New Zealand weightlifter Vernon Taylor impressed on Thursday, setting a national record in the 120kg snatch, and securing a spot as the fourth-ranked lifter in Oceania. Taylor is part of a nine-strong squad from Aotearoa, training alongside heavyweights like Commonwealth Games gold medalist David Liti, and amongst a team he is "super proud of". "It's been an honour representing New Zealand in Palau, such a beautiful country," Taylor said. "The English language doesn't comprehend how I feel being here!" His record-breaking lift was no fluke, but the result of months of hard work. "Competing and setting that record has been something I've been working towards for six, seven months," he said. Now, he is focused on supporting his teammates the "best he can". Taylor added that despite having competed on the international stage before, including at the Commonwealth Games and World Championships, there has been something unique about the atmosphere in Palau. "This whole event is so unique. I've travelled to the Commonwealth Champs and World Champs, but the culture is just phenomenal," he said. "The characters on the island, how other people express themselves - it's special to be a part of." For Teammate Louise Richards, Palau has been a whirlwind of firsts. Based in Nelson and currently training under Otago Weightlifting, this is Richards' first time competing internationally. "In terms of Palau, this trip has been incredible. The country itself is stunning, and they've built all of this new infrastructure to host, which they've done a phenomenal job of." She has also found herself surrounded by some of the sport's most elite athletes. "I have been rubbing shoulders with some of the best in the sport, Olympian weightlifters, and seeing all those big names I've watched on YouTube over the years has given me a real larger-than-life feeling," Richards said. In a slight twist to her trip, Richards is also stepping up to do some behind-the-scenes training. "I'll also be doing some coaching- an accidental international debut as a coach and weightlifter," Richards laughed. New Zealand do not currently hold any medals, however David Liti is expected to perform well for the Men's 110kg. Malia Maasi (lsecond to the left) and Luani Moeakiola Ita (second to the right) Photo: Tonga Table Tennis They might be an unexpected pair on the court, but Luani Moeakiola Ita and Malia Maasi proved that age and accessibility serve as no barriers to their sport, and mainly, their pride in representing Tonga at the Mini Games. On Thursday, the Tongan duo competed in a mixed doubles match against Vanuatu's Marieson Kelly Bue and Edwin Lulu. Maasi is a massive deal at the Games; at just nine years old, she is the youngest competitor, while Moeakiola is a standout para-athlete, and a finalist in the singles wheelchair competition, set to face Fiji's Akanisi Latu on Friday. For both, the journey to Palau has been full of purpose. "Back home, we've made a lot of sacrifices…including all of the training before we get to come here to Palau," Moeakiola said. "When we heard about the Mini Games, it was exciting because it's our first time coming together for the Games, and also the first time playing mixed…and I mean, for Malia, she's nine years old, and she has this much heart to compete, and to play." Beyond the game, the pair value representation. "Diversity is important for the athletes…to know who they are, and who they represent," Moeakiola said. For Maasi, it is all about the joy of being here. For her incredibly young age she is "super happy and proud" to be part of the Games and surrounded by athletes to look up to across the Pacific. Guam baseball - Zaeyah Tajalle Zaeyah Tajalle Photo: RNZ Pacific/Coco Lance Zaeyah Tajalle may be new to the Mini Pacific Games, but she's here to make a mark. The 17-year-old Guam 'rookie', representing her country in baseball, has wasted no time getting into the swing of things, taking the opportunity to learn from her older teammates. "It's my first year at the Pacific Games…and I'm coming in with a group of girls who have played their whole lives and childhood," Tahajii said. "But knowing they welcomed me and being able to build this team with these women has been such an experience." Despite the pressure of joining seasoned athletes, Tajalle is settling into her rhythm. "I just hit a triple today, so that's been a highlight for me," she said. "Getting here, this journey - we're all ready to just give it our all, and learn." While competition is diverse and fierce, having just faced off against American Samoa and the Marshall Islands, Tajalle said the shared passion and unity between teams on and off the field are a 'stand out', and the Games will leave a life-long impression. "I think it's really exciting that all the different teams and sports come out here and rep their island, and see what everyone else has to bring," she said. "Seeing that - where everyone stands, and the challenges they have - has been exciting to see." With the confidence building and a gold medal in sight, Tajalle is focused. "Next up is that gold medal round!" she said. Tahiti va'a - Hiromana Flores-Nena Hiromana Flores-Nena, far left Photo: Tahiti Infos/SB Tahiti has been a powerhouse at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games, topping the medal table with an impressive 75 medals thus far, including 43 golds. Much of that dominance has come from the water, where their va'a teams have done well for themselves, winning the 500m male, female, and mixed races. Hiromana Flores-Nena, a member of Tahiti's men's va'a squad, says the team is far from done. "I'm from Tahiti, and we won a lot of va'a," he said. "We have another race on Friday, so we aren't dropping anything yet." While the wins have been memorable, Flores-Nena said the experience goes far beyond medals. "A real highlight has been meeting other people," he shared. "I do think the Games are really important, especially for Tahiti at the moment. "We have the big Pacific Games coming up in 2027, so these kinds of events are important for us to be at, showing up and doing our best among our other Pacific peoples." He added that the hospitality in Palau has made the experience even more enjoyable. "Palau as well is just a very hospitable country, so that's been good for everyone."
RNZ News
29-06-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Liti and Patolo named flagbearers for the NZ team at Pacific Mini Games
Flagbearers for the New Zealand team at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games David Liti and Tui-Alofa Patolo Photo: NZ Team Weightlifters David Liti and Tui-Alofa Patolo have been named flagbearers for the New Zealand team at the Pacific Mini Games in Palau. The pair are part of a nine-strong New Zealand team made up exclusively of weightlifters, which will compete at the Games over the next 11 days. Liti, who won a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast and a silver four years later in Birmingham, has experience as flagbearer having done the job at the Pacific Games in 2019 and 2023. "It's like being the captain of the 1st XV or the prime minister of New Zealand… you're the team leader at these events. I'm super proud and super pumped - it's one of the best feelings," he said. Liti admitted it felt a bit "weird" being seen as a senior member of the team, despite his young years. "I feel like a veteran - I'm 28 at the moment but feel like I'm 50." Liti, who will compete in the men's +110kg category, said his motivation to compete in the black singlet has never been stronger. "I still feel like just another athlete in the team. I'm always happy to share my knowledge and be there for those just starting out. I hope when we get to Palau, they can trust me and I'm there if they need my help." Patolo will compete in the Women's +86kg category, and is one of five weightlifters making their debut at the Games. She admitted the call-up to carry the flag came as a surprise. "When I got the call, I was shocked, I was not expecting it at all, it's such a huge honour and I'm so grateful. "My coach was telling me to make sure I picked up a call from an unknown number, because usually I would've just ignored it... but I'm glad I picked it up. "I feel like every time I even start to think about it, I'll start crying. I'm just grateful for the opportunity, and to do it alongside someone like David is special as well." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
07-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
2025 Pacific Mini Games: Weightlifters to represent New Zealand in Palau
Two-time Olympian and two-time Commonwealth Games medallist, David Liti, will lead the New Zealand Team in the Men's +110kg category. Photo: New Zealand Olympic Committee A nine-member weightlifting team will represent Team New Zealand at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau. The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) confirmed this in a news release on Wednesday. Weightlifting New Zealand President Simon Kent said he is looking forward to a strong showing from the group at the event from 29 June to 9 July. Two-time Olympian and two-time Commonwealth Games medallist David Liti will lead the New Zealand Team in the Men's +110kg category. Kent said Liti's inclusion will be good for the team, which will have some debutants. "With a decade of international experience, David's presence will be a valuable asset to the group as they navigate being part of a multi-sport event," Kent said. "Five athletes will be making their New Zealand debuts at these Games, something we know will be a special time for them and their families. "The Pacific Mini Games are the ideal setting for these athletes to gain international experience, as competing in the Pacific offers its own unique challenges - the travel, foreign conditions and generally being out of their comfort zone are all factors for them to consider and ultimately lean into." Kent said the Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games are a stepping stone on the journey for athletes hopeful of Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games selection. "Athletes from across the Commonwealth will compete in Palau, India, Norway and Samoa during the next 10 months, aiming to secure their spot on the final ranking list for next July's showpiece event in Glasgow," he added. NZOC chief executive Nicki Nicol also extended her support to Team New Zealand. "We're proud to support this talented group as they represent the New Zealand Team, particularly those who will wear the fern for the first time. "For some, the Pacific Mini Games could be the first step on their journey towards representing New Zealand at a major Games, and we wish them all the best for a successful campaign in Palau." New Zealand Team confirmed for the Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games (*denotes New Zealand Team debut): Hannah Close* (26 years old, Women's Under-58kg), Holly Drain (26 years old, Women's Under-77kg), Sienna Fesolai (19 years old, Women's Under-69kg ), David Liti (28 years old, Men's +110kg), Tui-Alofa Patolo* (34 years old, Women's +86kg category), Louise Richards* (27 years old, Women's Under-63kg), Monica Saili-Hiakita* (27 years old, Women's Under-77kg), Judy Soloai* (30 years old, Women's +86kg), Vernon Taylor (26 years old, Men's Under-71kg)
Scoop
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Nine Athletes Confirmed For Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games
The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) has confirmed a nine-strong New Zealand Team to compete at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games held in Palau from June 29 to July 9. The New Zealand Team will be made up exclusively of weightlifters with Weightlifting New Zealand President, Simon Kent looking forward to a strong showing from the group. 'Five athletes will be making their New Zealand debuts at these Games, something we know will be a special time for them and their families,' said Kent. 'The Pacific Mini Games are the ideal setting for these athletes to gain international experience, as competing in the Pacific offers its own unique challenges - the travel, foreign conditions and generally being out of their comfort zone are all factors for them to consider and ultimately lean into,' he said. Two-time Olympian and two-time Commonwealth Games medallist, David Liti, will represent the New Zealand Team in the Men's +110kg category, with Kent noting the benefit of Liti's inclusion. 'With a decade of international experience, David's presence will be a valuable asset to the group as they navigate being part of a multi-sport event,' said Kent. The Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games are a stepping stone on the journey for athletes hopeful of Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games selection. 'Athletes from across the Commonwealth will compete in Palau, India, Norway and Samoa during the next 10 months, aiming to secure their spot on the final ranking list for next July's showpiece event in Glasgow,' said Kent. New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO, Nicki Nicol also extended her support to the Team. 'We're proud to support this talented group as they represent the New Zealand Team, particularly those who will wear the fern for the first time. For some, the Pacific Mini Games could be the first step on their journey towards representing New Zealand at a major Games, and we wish them all the best for a successful campaign in Palau,' said Nicol. The New Zealand Team confirmed for the Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games (in alphabetical order, *denotes New Zealand Team debut): Hannah Close* (26 years old, Women's U58kg), Holly Drain (26 years old, Women's U77kg), Sienna Fesolai (19 years old, Women's U69kg), David Liti (28 years old, Men's +110kg), Tui-Alofa Patolo* (34 years old, Women's +86kg category), Louise Richards* (27 years old, Women's U63kg), Monica Saili-Hiakita* (27 years old, Women's U77kg), Judy Soloai* (30 years old, Women's +86kg), Vernon Taylor (26 years old, Men's U71kg)
