Clean Sweep: Sāmoa weightlifter wins three gold medals, breaks records at Mini Games

Weightlifting Sāmoa celebrated a golden trifecta at the Pacific Mini Games in Palau after collecting three golds and three new records.

At the Meyuns Sports Complex, John Tafi completely swept the competition in the 71kg men's category, winning gold in the clean and jerk, snatch, and overall lift.

Tafi broke three Oceania records by lifting a total of 305kg, 169kg in the clean and jerk and 139kg in the snatch.

Fans erupted as Tafi powered through a lift just shy of double his body weight, sending Sāmoa's golden boy into a frenzy.

Tafi says the combination of hunger and faith inspired him to go for the record.

“My brother and I were so close to the clean and jerk, I was thinking I’m hungry too aye, so I tried my best, so God do the rest,” he told PMN correspondent James Nokise in Koror.

John Tafi celebrates afger breaking the clean and jerk Oceania record. Photo/PMN News/James Nokise

The former Maluafou College student has a knack for bringing home the bacon, repeating his golden streak from the 2023 Pacific Mini Games in the Solomon Islands.

Staying present is important for athletes, yet Tafi is eager to get back to the drawing board after falling just shy of the Commonwealth Games record.

“I’ll try my best next time, I’ll go back home and work hard to prepare for the next comp,” he says.

A medal ceremony completed the 71kg category to commend Tafi and his opponents for their hard work and dedication.

The efforts of Sāmoa’s golden boy now boost the country's medal tally to 31, placing it third overall behind Fiji and Tahiti.

The 2025 Pacific Mini Games ends on 9 July. For live coverage, click here.