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RNZ News
6 days ago
- General
- RNZ News
Weightlifting: 'We've made some big strides in cleaning it up'
Man Asaad of Syria competes in the 102kg category of the Men's Weightlifting at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Photo: Simon Stacpoole / After many years of being under a cloud of suspicion weightlifting's governing body believes it's in a better place, and young Kiwi lifters are hoping to benefit from it in the next few years. For decades the sport internationally was plagued by a doping culture. More than 30 weightlifters who competed at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic games were subsequently disqualified and stripped of their medals. There was also corruption within the world governing body. An investigation by Canadian law professor Richard McLaren released in 2020 said failed doping tests were covered up by the International Weightlifting Federation and that almost $20 million in finances were unaccounted for. Weightlifting New Zealand president Simon Kent, who has just returned from an IWF Congress, believes the sport is now in a far better place. Weightlifting wasn't initially on the LA2028 Olympic programme because of the concerns the IOC had with governance and doping. However last year it was confirmed it would remain on the programme. "A lot of good work has been done in the last four years to clean things up," Kent told RNZ. "There's a real desire now to try and take the sport forward. "We've made some really big strides in cleaning the thing up from a governance and doping standpoint so the next step is to be really innovative and showcase that this is a sport that is exciting to watch." No Olympics would have meant a huge funding cut for weightlifting in New Zealand. David Liti of New Zealand lifts during the Oceania Weightlifting Championships, 2024. Photo: Andrew Skinner/ The second piece of good news came not long after with the announcement that the sport would also be a part of the reduced programme for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Last month New Zealand recorded it's best ever result in a world championships securing five medals at the IWF Junior and Youth World Championships in Peru. Seven athletes took part, six females and one male and Kent believes some of those could put their hands up for Commonwealth Games selection. Olivia Selemaia claimed silver breaking New Zealand and Oceania senior/junior records in the 71kg class. A lifter has to compete in two of four assigned competitions over the next ten months to be eligible and lift a total weight that ranks them in the top eight in the Commonwealth to get to Glasgow. Former Commonwealth Games gold and silver medalist David Liti, along with Selemia shouldn't have any problems achieving that, but Kent is optimistic that at least another four can make the team. He said Glasgow was another great opportunity for them. Weightlifting ticked many of the boxes that made it easy to fit into a reduced games programme. It is indoors, it is strong in the Commonwealth, the host nations do well in it and every session is completed in less than two hours. "We're really stoked that we're one of the ten sports," Kent said. "We're on the programme and we're seeing it as a real opportunity." "It is unfortunate that hockey, rugby sevens and the likes are not there, but this is a chance for weightlifting to really showcase what we're about. "It's only been David (Liti) that has been on the podium at recent Comm Games but a lot of work has gone into developing our juniors so that hopefully we can turn up in Glasgow with a few others." Liti will compete at the Pacific Mini Games in Palau later this month.
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
Press Release – New Zealand Olympic Committee 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. 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)
