Team Fiji has claimed its first gold medal of the Commonwealth Games thanks to an outstanding display from weightlifting powerhouse Taniela Tuisuva Rainibogi in the men’s 110kg division.

Rainibogi lifted 170kg in the snatch and 208kg in the clean and jerk for a combined total of 378kg, breaking Commonwealth Games records in all three categories on his way to the top of the podium.

The Fijian lifter’s path to gold was far from straightforward. After failing his second snatch attempt at 170kg, Rainibogi kept his composure and successfully completed the lift on his third and final try, erasing the previous Games record.

Earlier in the competition, England’s Cyrille Tchatchet II had set a new Games snatch record with 166kg, but Rainibogi immediately surpassed it with his remarkable 170kg effort.

In the clean and jerk, Rainibogi missed his opening attempt at 203kg before recovering to complete the lift on his second try. He then capped off a memorable performance by successfully lifting 208kg, setting another Games record and sealing victory.

His total of 378kg was enough to finish four kilograms ahead of Tchatchet, who settled for silver after pushing the Fijian all the way in a thrilling contest.

The historic victory not only secured Team Fiji’s first gold medal of the Games but also showcased Rainibogi’s resilience and determination under pressure, cementing his place among the competition’s standout performers.