You couldn’t wipe the smile off Tia Nacagilevu’s face as she arrived for her final training session in Nelson before heading offshore.
It wasn’t just her new Nike lifting shoes, fresh out of the box, but what lies ahead of her in the next few weeks.
The 17-year-old has moved from the youth ranks and will represent New Zealand at the World Junior Weightlifting Championships in Peru.
“I competed there in the youth champs last May, so it is really good to return there.
“I am used to the place and so feel I can do better in that location,” declares Tia.
She will be competing in the 86-kilogram class against women who will be up to 21 years old.
“It is a pretty big jump, but my goal is to hopefully medal again,” enthuses the national champion, who won bronze in the youth class in Peru last year.
“Tia is lifting a lot more weight now. Every time she goes on the platform, it is another five kilos,” says coach Lester Keene.
“I have improved a lot, snatching 100kgs and achieving 125kgs in the clean and jerk,” confirms the heavyweight lifter, who is in her final year of online study at Nelson College for Girls.
Tia flew to Melbourne a week ago as part of her intensive build up. “I was invited to an elite Oceania training camp, then I go to Auckland to train with the New Zealand team which is going to Peru.
“Once we arrive there, it will be another week’s training before the worlds,” says Tia.
Lester isn’t accompanying her but will be messaging every day or two and watching the live feed of the event very early in the morning.
“We just want to get more international experience for Tia with the aim of making the national development squad for next year’s Glasgow Commonwealth Games,” confirms Lester.
As part of that master plan, she will also compete in the commonwealth championships in India later this year.
You can follow her progression on Instagram @tialiftingjourney
