Latest news with #Liti
Scoop
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
NZ Team Flagbearer David Liti Lifts Through Grief To Win Double Gold At Pacific Mini Games
Aotearoa's champion Tongan-Kiwi weightlifter David Liti won two gold medals in the men's 110kg+ clean and jerk and the men's overall, and a silver in the snatch. , RNZ Pacific digital journalist in Koror, Palau 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. Patolo, Soloai also add medals 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.'
Scoop
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
NZ Team Flagbearer David Liti Lifts Through Grief To Win Double Gold At Pacific Mini Games
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. Patolo, Soloai also add medals 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."
Scoop
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Liti And Patolo Named NZ Team Flag Bearers
Press Release – New Zealand Olympic Committee Weightlifters David Liti and Tui-Alofa Patolo are part of a nine-strong weightlifting contingent at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games Games, with five members set to make their New Zealand Team debut. Weightlifters David Liti and Tui-Alofa Patolo have been named flag bearers for the New Zealand Team at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games starting today in Palau. The pair are part of a nine-strong weightlifting contingent at the Games, with five members set to make their New Zealand Team debut. Patolo, who will compete in the Women's +86kg category, is one of those athletes making her debut and admits 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,' said Patolo. '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've spoken to a few of the others making their debut and we're all excited. We're training hard to make ourselves and the people we're representing proud, our families, our coaches, our clubs and of course our country,' she said. Patolo is joined by experienced weightlifter, David Liti, who has been New Zealand Team flag bearer previously at both the 2019 and 2023 Pacific Games. 'Honestly as an athlete it's probably one of the biggest highlights,' Liti said. '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, who will compete in the Men's +110kg category, said his motivation to compete in the black singlet has never been stronger. 'We come from a country where competing against each other is the norm, I've adapted to that, and I just want to be the best. Until I get what I want from weightlifting, I'll still be motivated,' he said. Liti admitted it feels 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!' '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,' he said. Patolo is likely to be one of those athletes seeking out Liti's experience at the Games and expects it will be an emotional and exciting time when she leads the team out at the opening ceremony. '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.' The Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games go from June 29 to July 9 with New Zealand Team athletes competing from July 2. Updates and some live streamed events available on The New Zealand Team for 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)
Scoop
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Liti And Patolo Named NZ Team Flag Bearers
Weightlifters David Liti and Tui-Alofa Patolo have been named flag bearers for the New Zealand Team at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games starting today in Palau. The pair are part of a nine-strong weightlifting contingent at the Games, with five members set to make their New Zealand Team debut. Patolo, who will compete in the Women's +86kg category, is one of those athletes making her debut and admits 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,' said Patolo. 'My coach was telling me to make sure I picked up a call from an unknown number, because usually I would've just ignored I'm glad I picked it up!' 'I've spoken to a few of the others making their debut and we're all excited. We're training hard to make ourselves and the people we're representing proud, our families, our coaches, our clubs and of course our country,' she said. Patolo is joined by experienced weightlifter, David Liti, who has been New Zealand Team flag bearer previously at both the 2019 and 2023 Pacific Games. 'Honestly as an athlete it's probably one of the biggest highlights,' Liti said. 'It's like being the captain of the 1st XV or the Prime Minister of New the team leader at these events. I'm super proud and super pumped - it's one of the best feelings,' he said. Liti, who will compete in the Men's +110kg category, said his motivation to compete in the black singlet has never been stronger. 'We come from a country where competing against each other is the norm, I've adapted to that, and I just want to be the best. Until I get what I want from weightlifting, I'll still be motivated,' he said. Liti admitted it feels 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!' '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,' he said. Patolo is likely to be one of those athletes seeking out Liti's experience at the Games and expects it will be an emotional and exciting time when she leads the team out at the opening ceremony. '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.' The Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games go from June 29 to July 9 with New Zealand Team athletes competing from July 2. Updates and some live streamed events available on The New Zealand Team for 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)
