From a chance encounter to the Commonwealth stage

A ninth-place finish in the men’s 65kg weightlifting final at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games was more than just a result for Team Fiji’s Apakuki Wakanibua—it was the culmination of a journey built on resilience, sacrifice and faith.

The 24-year-old from Wainimala, Naitasiri, earned his place among the Commonwealth’s best after navigating a demanding qualification […] ...