David Liti

EVENT: Weightlifting Men's 109+kg

Weightlifter David Liti is a two time Commonwealth Games medallist and an Olympian.

Competing at Tokyo Liti lifted 178kg in the snatch and a personal best of 236kg in the clean and jerk for an overall total of 414kg, equalling his PB for fifth place.

At the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games the South Aucklander competed in the 105kg+ division, establishing a new Commonwealth Games record (403kg combined total). At Birmingham he lifted a 394kg total to win silver.

At the Gold Coast 2018 Games, Liti was awarded the David Dixon Award for sporting spirit. Samoan heavyweight Lauititi Lui was locked in a battle for gold against Liti. Lui was dramatically injured in the final lift. Liti's gesture of support and words of respect were demonstrated at the moving medal ceremony where the New Zealander supported Lui as he was awarded his silver medal in a wheelchair.

Liti was born in New Zealand but spent the first 10 years of his life in Tonga, before moving back to New Zealand. A respected rugby player in his youth, Liti transitioned to weightlifting in his teens.

He is coached by Tina Ball.