Sports
Team Samoa’s impressive 36 Medals haul at the IFBC Universal Cup 2026
By Jeannie Penehuro/
Apia, SAMOA – 4 May 2026 – Team Samoa demonstrated its strength, resilience, and rising talent on the regional and international weightlifting stage in last weeks Universal, Oceania and Commonwealth Weightlifting Cup 2026.
Samoa’s athletes amassed an impressive total of 36 medals across various competitions, illustrating the nation’s depth and strength in weightlifting.
With college students in uniform allocated a country to cheer, the atmosphere with singing, clapping and cheering from the crowd was electric during the 5 days of the Samoa IBFC Universal Cup 2026 with over 500 athletes and officials from 70 competing countries.
Samoa’s Medal Tally:
Gold Medals – 21
Silver Medals – 12
Bronze Medals – 3
Total Medals – 36
18-year-old Seine Stowers delivered a standout performance, winning six Gold and setting new Oceania and the Commonwealth records.
Record-Breaking and Dominant Performances – Women’s Division
18-year-old Seine Stowers delivered a standout performance, winning six Gold medals across the IBFC Universal Cup and Oceania Championships 2026.
Seine’s efforts resulted in 12 new Commonwealth and Oceania records, cementing her status as one of the region’s brightest prospects.
Sipaia Iuniarra’s performance was outstanding, earning her a Silver Medal in the Snatch, Gold in the Clean & Jerk, Gold in Universal Cup and Gold in Oceania overall Championships.
Her 151kg lift in the Clean & Jerk broke the Oceania record, underscoring her status as a rising star.
Sipaia Iuniarra continuing her climb and looking towards to the Commonwealth Games in Scotland.
Record-Breaking and Dominant Performances – Men’s Division
Sanele Mao dominated the +110kg category with a series of record-breaking lifts.
His remarkable 185kg Snatch shattered the Oceania record, while his 225kg Clean & Jerk set a new continental benchmark.
Sanele’s extraordinary effort earned him four Gold medals and reaffirmed his position as one of Oceania’s premier heavyweight lifters.
Jack Opeloge’s resilience shone through as he overcame a 14kg deficit to clinch gold at the Oceania Championships.
Additionally, he secured two Silver medals at the IBFC Universal Cup, setting two new Commonwealth and Oceania records in his weight class.
John Tafi scored 1 Gold in the Oceania Championships Senior 71kg Snatch, Gold medal in the Oceania Championships Senior 71kg Clean & Jerk and a Gold medal IBFC Universal Weightlifting Cup 2026.
Tafi brough in 3 Golds and new record in Oceania Clean and Jerk in the men’s 71kg and 140kg in the Oceania senior Men’s snatch.
New Zealand David Liti winning Silver, Samoa Gold Medallist Sanele Mao and Samoa-Australian Suamili Nanai, Bronze in the Snatch, Clean and Jerk, Universal Total.
Impressive Medal Haul and Rising Stars in Women’s Division
Anoni Faumui made her mark winning 2 bronze medals in both the Snatch and Total Universal Cup, competing in the Junior Division with a 63kg Snatch.
16-year-old Maria Fiapule from Vaoala and Alafua secured a bronze medal in the women’s 77kg category at the Commonwealth Junior Championships.
Competing in the 58kg category at the Oceania Championships, she successfully completed all three attempts in both the Snatch and Clean & Jerk, setting a strong foundation for her burgeoning career.
Older sister 17-year-old Seuao Sefullu from Se’ese’e delivered a commendable performance in the Senior Women’s 86kg category, winning two Silver medals in the snatch and clean and jerk.
Niusila Opeloge Junior, Mens junior 94kgs
Impressive Medal Haul and Rising Stars in Men’s Division
Faitasia Seuao showcased his talent in the Junior 77kg category, earning two Silver medals at both the Commonwealth and Oceania Championships.
Fomai Faimainifo showcased his power in the heavyweight division, claiming two silver medals in the Snatch and Clean & Jerk at both the Oceania and Commonwealth Championships in the 110+kg category.
Niusila Opeloge continued his upward climb with two Gold medals at the Oceania Junior and Youth Championships, complemented by two silvers at the Universal Cup.
Emmanuel Ulimasao displayed versatility, claiming two gold medals in junior divisions at both Oceania and Commonwealth Championships.
He also added three Silver medals in Snatch, Clean & Jerk, and the Total in the senior division.
With a remarkable collection of medals, record-breaking lifts, and emerging athletes, Samoa’s contingent continued to elevate the nation’s status in the sport.