Pacific weightlifters excel in Palau: Turning humble beginnings into podium triumphs

From Tuvalu to New Zealand, weightlifters are making waves at the Pacific Mini Games, highlighting the strength of Pasifika excellence in sports.

For Manuila Raobu, training abroad has paid off for Tuvalu’s only medallist in Palau.

Raobu won two bronze medals in the 71kg men's category for the snatch and overall total - an achievement fuelled by enormous sacrifice.

With limited resources and opportunities to compete in the tiny island nation, Raobu has spent the last four years training in Taiwan and Sāmoa.

Taking the time to adjust culturally, Raobu says training in a supportive environment boosts morale.

“I like the atmosphere, we train together, cheer each other and share the experience in this sport,” he told PMN correspondent James Nokise.

Manuila Raobu, right, with Sāmoan gold medalist Luniarra Sipaia. Photo/PMN News/James Nokise

Raobu’s dedication has given Tuvalu, the fourth smallest country in the world, its only podium finish at the games so far.

Understanding the long time between hugs, Raobu told Nokise that he misses the feeling of community the most.

“It’s really hard. I miss everybody, and I miss the people that always show love and kindness to each other. Even though we don’t know each other, we help each other,” he says.

Yet Raobu has been feeling the love from family members showing their support via social media, sharing how proud they are of him.

With Tuvalu set to host the 2029 Pacific Mini Games, Raobu’s double bronze comes at a symbolic cost - they may be small geographically, but the nation carries big dreams and even bigger determination.

Meanwhile, humble beginnings are the mantra for a couple of New Zealand women weightlifters after securing podium finishes in Palau.

The bronze theme continued with Judy Soloai placing third in the overall total, while teammate Tui-Alofa Patolo walked away with a third place in the snatch.

Despite being latecomers to weightlifting, the ladies credit their success to a supportive family and their small town.

New Zealand weightlifter Judy Soloai. Photo/PMN News/James Nokise

“The people of Pipiwai have been really supportive, they obviously knew how important this competition was,” Patolo tells Nokise.

So my husband actually bought a container, so over the last year we’ve been collecting weightlifting gear.”

Soloai, a forensic mental health clinician, only picked up a barbell in October of last year. While a podium finish wasn’t part of her plan, it was a bonus on top of a solid personal performance.

“We had our personal goals, which to me personally was the achievement and it just happened to be that we were able to get on the podium and be recognised for those efforts,” she says.

The pair extended a warm message to Pacific women, highlighting how weightlifting can serve as a platform for Pacific excellence and balance.

“Pacific women are naturally strong. We have higher muscle mass. We’re made for this sport; they will thrive, and it helps them balance life with everything else going on,” Soloai says.

Patolo built on her teammate’s words, sharing that if they can do it, anyone can - so they should get involved!

Both lifters now head back to their hometowns with the common goal of competing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The Pacific Mini Games in Palau end on Wednesday.