Olympic weightlifter David Liti has been named New Zealand Team flagbearer for the Solomon Islands 2023 Pacific Games.
The 26-year-old was named flagbearer by Chef de Mission Niniwa Roberts at a welcome reception hosted by New Zealand's High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Jonathan Schwass.
Roberts says Liti was chosen as a leader who’s values perfectly represent and align with the New Zealand Team’s culture of manaaki.
“David is an amazing athlete as well as a leader in his sport and community,” said Roberts.
“He is a proud Pasifika New Zealander and one who gives it his all as he represents our nation on the world stage. We look forward to marching behind him as he leads the New Zealand Team into the Opening Ceremony.”
Liti competed at the Tokyo Olympic Games where he placed fifth in the super heavyweight division with a 414kg total. He is also a two-time Commonwealth Games medallist, having won gold at Gold Coast 2018 and silver at Birmingham 2022.
The South Aucklander, who spent the first 10 years of his life in Tonga, says it means a lot to be named as flagbearer.
“Being the one person to lead out your team, it’s quite a privileged position to be in. It’s a little bit different this time around, being named from a team you have known since the beginning of you career, it hits a little bit different.”
Liti says he’s looking forward to his third Pacific Games.
"I competed at the last two Pacific Games and it's a special competition for me with my Pacific heritage. There’s some really good weightlifters in the Pacific so it’s going to be a good competition.”
The results at the Pacific Games weightlifting competition provide ranking points towards qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The Opening Ceremony begins 7pm local time on Sunday November 19th.
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