She’s 74. She’s been away from competitive powerlifting for five years. And now, Fiji’s “Iron Lady” has stepped back onto the platform.
Sainimili Turner won gold in the Women’s Masters 4 bench press at the Oceania Powerlifting Regional Championships in Fiji, which finishes on Friday.
“I just want to show Fiji and the Pacific, it’s not too late,” she said.
Turner’s contribution to powerlifting was recognised earlier this year when Powerlifting Fiji hosted the Turner Classics Nationals, honouring her long-standing contribution to the sport and her enduring presence in Fiji’s powerlifting community.
Seeing her name attached to the competition was a proud moment.
“I was happy and honoured,” she said.
Turner was part of the first Oceania National Championships held in Fiji more than 20 years ago, making her return to the competition scene especially significant.
Back on the platform
Turner began her powerlifting career at 36, having played other sports, including rugby and soccer, when she was younger.
Over the years, she built her strength and experience through training and competition, eventually earning the nickname “Iron Lady”.
After spending about five years away from competitive training, Turner decided to return for the Turner Classics National.
She had only three weeks to prepare, but her coach, Eliesa Irava, put together a focused program with regular sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, gradually increasing the weights as she worked towards competition.
The comeback was challenging, but returning to the gym felt great.
“It makes me alive again,” she said.
“I cannot stop, as long as you’re happy and you do what you like to do.”
How carrying beer helped
Turner’s strength was shaped long before she began competitive powerlifting.
After growing up in Taveuni, she moved to Suva to look after her family, pursue her education and work.
She recalls working at the former King’s Hotel in Suva, where her duties involved physically demanding tasks, including moving heavy cartons and gas cylinders, sometimes carrying more than 100 cartons of beer in a single day.
Her approach to training is also grounded in discipline, rest and paying attention to her body. She says she keeps her meals simple, with a diet including eggs, fish, chicken and vegetables, and makes stretching part of her routine.
Her favourite lift is the deadlift.
“When you pull it up, you know, it feels good,” she said.
With Irava guiding her training and adjusting her lifts, Turner is focused on this week’s event but hasn’t ruled out a return to the South Pacific Games in 2027.
For now, her immediate goal is to give her best at the Oceania Championships.
“I just want to surprise everyone this time,” she said.
More women take up powerlifting
One of the most rewarding changes Turner has witnessed is the growth of powerlifting in Fiji over the years.
When she started in the 1980s, there was only a small number of women and men taking part. Today, she is encouraged by the number of young athletes travelling from different parts of the country to compete.
She is particularly pleased to see more young women stepping onto the platform.
“Powerlifting in Fiji is growing. And that’s why I’m really happy for this sport,” she said.
Turner believes the sport offers young people an opportunity to build confidence, develop discipline and become part of a supportive community.
She also wants to challenge the perception that powerlifting is a sport reserved for men.
Passing the torch
The Turner Cup also brought an emotional moment for the veteran lifter when her grandson, Ronnie Yagomate, competed in the junior and sub-junior divisions.
Watching him follow in her footsteps was a proud moment for Turner, who hopes all her grandchildren will continue to see her as an example of what determination can achieve.
She also recalls presenting a trophy to fellow lifter Susie Qionibaravi during the event, encouraging her to carry the sport forward.
These Oceania Championships, which finish on Friday, are being held in Fiji for the first time in 20 years.
For Turner, it’s a rare opportunity to test herself against experienced lifters from 14 nations on home soil and another milestone in a career defined by persistence and a willingness to keep challenging herself.
She knows the competition is strong, but she is not allowing her age to become a reason to step aside.
Her coach remains an important part of the journey, helping her plan each lift and progress through her training. Turner says she trusts his guidance and is focused on preparing herself for the championships.
She is also looking forward to showing her grandchildren and the wider community what she can still accomplish.
Beyond November, she hopes to have another opportunity to represent Fiji at the Pacific Games.
For now, she is concentrating on the work ahead, one training session and one lift at a time.
