From Ōtara, NZ to Los Angeles: David Liti lifts up the next generation

New Zealand-born Tongan weightlifting powerhouse David Liti has locked his sights on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games but his biggest legacy is already taking shape inside an Ōtara gym.

After more than 10 years at the top of world weightlifting, the 30-year-old South Auckland star is balancing his drive for a third Olympic appearance with a mission to open doors for local youth who lack the money or backing to chase their dreams.

Speaking with Pacific Huddle host Tuilagi William Leolahi, Liti revealed how the memory of his late grandfather, his family's deep roots, and the guidance of those who backed him early on, are powering his double drive towards 2028.

Named after his grandfather, a respected figure in Tonga’s farming community, Liti grew up determined to make the family name proud on the international stage.

“One of the main reasons for me getting into sport was to pretty much live up to the standard of my name," he said.

That bond was tested in 2018. Shortly after winning his first Commonwealth Games gold medal, Liti received news that his grandfather had died. At the family funeral in Tonga, the grief hit so hard that he nearly walked away from the barbell forever.

David Liti is lifting up the community at his Ōtara gym where he provides young local athlete with the training, backing, and opportunities needed to chase their sporting dreams. Photo/Photosport/file

For two months, tears streamed down his face during training sessions as he struggled to find a reason to keep lifting.

“Wanting to keep his name alive and to push his legacy further … it kept me in it, with the help of my coach and the help of my family.”

Now, that same spirit of support is what Liti brings to his Ōtara facility. Remembering how hard his family had to hustle in South Auckland, he wants to give local kids the same breakthrough opportunity his mentor, Tina, gave him years ago.

Watch David Liti's full interview below.

“If we wanted to chase something, we had to work really hard for it. I want to give them what Tina gave to me.”

Liti's vision extends beyond lifting platforms. He wants his gym to become a home for young talent across all sports, giving them the strength, conditioning, and mental backing to compete on the world stage.

While building the next generation, Liti’s personal target remains clear: LA 2028, adding to his Commonwealth medal collection and cementing his place as the greatest weightlifter New Zealand has ever produced.

“I never really thought at the start that I would be in the sport for so long.”

His message for young Pacific athletes sitting on the fence? Enjoy the ride and take the shot.

“Blow your kisses and not your opportunities. Just give it a crack,” he said. “Don't take it too seriously.”

The LA28 Olympic Games take place from 14-30 July, 2028, with preliminary matches starting as early as 12 July. The LA28 Paralympic Games follow from August 15 to August 27, 2028.

Elton Lonaratha Jnr, a journalism student at Wintec, is currently completing a six-week internship at PMN News.