David Liti Overcomes Grief to Win Double Gold at Pacific Mini Games

New Zealand's weightlifting flagbearer David Liti delivered an extraordinary performance at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games, securing two gold medals and a silver despite personal tragedy. The Tongan-Kiwi athlete's journey through grief to triumph has become a powerful story of resilience and dedication.

A Triumph of Grit and Heart

Liti, the second youngest of eleven siblings, recently lost his mother, Sisi Luisa, to cancer. The emotional toll of her passing threatened to derail his training and competitive edge. However, with a deep sense of purpose and a promise to his late mother, Liti pushed through his grief to claim victory on the platform in Palau.

Competing in the 110kg+ category, Liti won gold in both the clean and jerk and the men's overall, along with a silver in the snatch. His performance was instrumental in helping the New Zealand team secure a total of eight medals, including two gold, three silver, and three bronze.

"I took a lot of time off…with my mum being sick and passing away in the last month. Mentally, it was a little bit tough, but I knew I had to come back for her. My mum would be angry at me if I didn't."

Liti described his competition day as "a really awkward, weird, successful day," emphasizing the last-minute tactical adjustments that led to his success. Despite the emotional and physical challenges, he fulfilled his promise to his mother and himself, saying, "We did what we needed to do. I'm happy."

Looking Ahead: A Path to Greater Achievements

With the Commonwealth Championships in India just weeks away and the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on the horizon, Liti has set his sights on even greater goals.

"The build-up from now is to be at peak performance by India, which is another seven to eight weeks from here, and then just carry on to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow," he said. Liti's determination and focus highlight his commitment to continuing his legacy in the sport.

Team Success: Rising Stars in the Making

Liti wasn't the only standout for New Zealand. Teammates Tui-Alofa Patolo and Judy Soloai also contributed significantly to the medal tally, each securing three bronze medals in their respective categories. Both athletes are newcomers to the sport, having taken up weightlifting only recently, and their rapid rise to podium success has been nothing short of remarkable.

Judy Soloai, a 30-year-old forensic mental health clinician, discovered her strength in an unexpected way. "I needed something that was going to be an outlet… I wanted to be active, you know, just something that's more healthier for me," she explained. Within a year of taking up the sport, Soloai had already achieved national recognition for her performances.

Patolo, 34, echoed similar sentiments. Initially hesitant to commit to the Mini Games, she was inspired by Soloai's decision to participate. "If it wasn't for Judy coming as well, I would have never come," she admitted. Her husband also supported her training by creating makeshift weights at home, allowing her to train in the garden while managing her full-time job as a court reporter.

Both Soloai and Patolo have become advocates for the sport, encouraging other Pacific and Māori women to take it up. "It takes consistency and effort to get where you want to be, but it's so worth it," Soloai said, emphasizing that the sport is accessible to women of all ages.

Conclusion

David Liti's journey from grief to gold is not just a personal triumph but a source of inspiration for athletes and fans alike. His story, along with the rapid success of Soloai and Patolo, underscores the power of resilience, community support, and the pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity. As the Pacific Mini Games continue, New Zealand's weightlifting team remains a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication and heart.