Weightlifter David Liti will be chasing a personal best when he takes to the South Paris Arena to represent New Zealand at the Olympic Games.
Of Tongan heritage the 27-year-old Liti has today been named to the New Zealand Team, to compete in the men’s +102kg division.
The two-time Commonwealth games medallist and an Olympian says, “It’s massive to be going to my second Olympics.”
“I never dreamed I’d be going to two. I’m blessed to do what I love to my full potential and I’m excited to get over there and represent everyone who’s been a part of this journey, says Liti”
Liti will head to the Games following a series of strong competitions including the Oceania Championships where he lifted a combined total of 413kg.
The South Auckland lifter is known for walking around the Olympic village with a boombox and telling athletes from other nations that he’s a 100m sprinter.
Liti is coached by Tina Ball and has a personal best of a 182kg snatch and 232kg clean and jerk, for a 414kg total. Ball says she’s incredibly proud of Liti.
“This is a testament to all the hard work he’s put in,” said Ball.
“To get the opportunity to showcase what he can do, and provide inspiration to young people is pretty special and I’m really excited for him.”
NZOC CEO Nicki Nicol extended her congratulations to Liti.
“David has been a member of many of our teams, spanning Olympic, Commonwealth and Pacific Games. He brings a fantastic energy to our team and we look forward to supporting him in Paris,” said Nicol.
At the Gold Coast 2018 Games, Liti was awarded the David Dixon Award for sporting spirit.
