Suliano Tuqalau defied the odds, making his family and vanua proud by winning gold in the youth category and a silver medal in the junior category at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship 2024, currently underway at Vodafone Arena.
Tuqalau revealed that he once attempted to take his own life due to the challenges he faced but found the strength to move forward.
He says it was not an easy journey, having missed his family’s farewell service for his late uncle and also his sister’s birthday.
He says that sacrifices had to be made while representing his country, and he is proud of the choices he made.
The 18-year-old, who hails from Wainiyabia Village in Serua, believes that the last words from his late uncle motivated him to win gold.
Tuqalau, a Year 13 student at Lomary Secondary School, represented Fiji at the 2024 Oceania Junior and Youth Weightlifting Championships in Auckland, New Zealand, earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Fijian-born Eileen Cikamatana, now competing for Australia, won gold at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship after an eight-year break.
