Building more than muscle: Mateo Vaihu’s mission to get his community moving

The first and only male athlete to represent Tonga at the Mr Olympia Bodybuilding competition says his fitness journey goes beyond just sport.

Born in Tonga and raised in New Zealand, bodybuilder and gym owner Meteo Petiasi Vaihu gained national recognition after winning the New Zealand National Bodybuilding titles for three consecutive years. In 2017, he proudly carried both Tonga and New Zealand on his shoulders while competing in the Mr Olympia physique category in Las Vegas.

Speaking with Tuilagi William Leolahi on Pacific Huddle, Vaihu says stepping onto bodybuilding’s biggest stage signifies more than personal achievements. He described it as “a moment of representation”.

“For me, stepping onto the Olympia stage wasn't just about showcasing physique. It was about showing the world that someone from a small Pacific island, raised with faith and humility, could walk amongst the world's best. For my community, I hope that it will spark belief,” Vaihu says.

Vaihu says his drive is moulded by discipline rather than motivational bursts. He says that when he sets his mind on achieving something, he will “do whatever it takes” despite exhaustion. Vaihu also challenges the norms surrounding food culture to reach his goals.

“As a Tongan, but also part Sāmoan, in our culture, respect, service and humility is everything I have carried with me. But I have defied the typical cultural way of eating and celebrating. It can be incredibly unhealthy, and we see that in our statistics today with the health issues in the Pacific community. If anything, I'm against the normal.”

Listen to Mateo Petiasi Vaihu's full interview below.

His sacrifices include sleep, time with family, financial strain, and what he describes as the “silent battle” of emotional exhaustion. Vaihu believes that these sacrifices come from investing in oneself, and that the rewards at the end are substantial.

“Now that I'm retired, I can enjoy time in areas that I couldn't before. Also, financially, I invested everything into competing but the biggest sacrifice was emotional. The isolation, the pressure, it was a silent battle but I knew the purpose was bigger than just the pain that I had to go through.”

This philosophy informs his Wiri-based gym gym in South Auckland, and its flagship programme Transformation For You. Inspired by his own journey, Vaihu designed the programme not just for fitness but also for “healing, mindset, and community”.

“I knew what it felt like to be overlooked, to feel stuck and to want more but not know how to get there. What makes [Transformation For You] effective is the heart behind it. It's tailored, it's real and it's rooted in accountability and care. We don't just train bodies here, we focus on transforming lives.”

For young Pacific Islanders and other aspiring athletes or entrepreneurs, Vaihu’s advice is to embrace cultural pride and maintain a hunger for growth. He says since the world often does not offer people a seat at the table, “you have to build your own”.

“Work hard in silence but don't be afraid to shine. Surround yourself with people who stretch you and not shrink you. I want people to say I made space for others. I want my daughter, son, grandson, clients and my community to know that I lived with a purpose.

“Not to get credit for it but for impact. I hope my story shows that no dream is stupid when it's backed by belief, discipline and service. My legacy isn't just muscles, to me, it's a movement of transformation, empowerment and hope. There's still work to do, lives to touch and at the end of the day, titles fade but your character stays.”