\n<\/p>\n
By Everest\u00a0Hala<\/p>\n
Tonga\u2019s bodybuilding team brought home 19 medals from the 2026 IFBB<\/span> Australasian Championships in Sydney and recognition as the Best Supporting South Pacific Team. The championships, held in Sydney on May 17, served as a qualifying event for the Mr and Mrs Universe competition in\u00a0Thailand.<\/p>\n A nine-member Tongan squad, made up of locally based athletes, secured five gold, five silver and nine bronze medals across multiple\u00a0divisions.<\/p>\n Stand out medalist was Malakai William Tupou, who claimed three gold medals, one silver and one\u00a0bronze.<\/p>\n Senilaite Alofaki Tupou added one gold and one silver, while Olita Cocker collected one gold, one silver and one\u00a0bronze.<\/p>\n Tonga Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation president Talaiasi Nau praised the team\u2019s performance and the growth of the sport in the\u00a0kingdom.<\/p>\n \u201cI wish to congratulate Team Tonga for their outstanding performance at the 2026 IFBB<\/span> Australasian Championships in Sydney, Australia,\u201d he\u00a0said.<\/p>\n Nau said a milestone for the federation was that all athletes representing Tonga were based in the kingdom, reflecting the continued development of bodybuilding\u00a0locally.<\/p>\n He noted an increase in women\u2019s participation, with female representation rising from one athlete in 2025 to five competitors this\u00a0year.<\/p>\n \u201cThe national team\u2019s achievements reflect the dedication, sacrifices and hard work of the athletes, trainers, families and supporters,\u201d Nau\u00a0said.<\/p>\n He acknowledged support from the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness, the Tonga Sports Association and National Olympic Committee, and Tonga\u2019s Ministry of Internal\u00a0Affairs.<\/p>\n The federation stated that it remained committed to expanding opportunities for local athletes and was continuing to develop bodybuilding and fitness across\u00a0Tonga.<\/p>\n Medal Tally:<\/strong> Competitors<\/strong>
1. Malakai Tupou (3 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze)
2. Pita He (3 Bronze)
3. Taniela Lutui (1 Bronze)
4. Senilaite Tupou (1 Gold, 1 Silver)
5. ‘Olita Cocker (1 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze)
6. Vake Fonofehi (1 Silver, 1 Bronze)
7. Suliana Pahulu (1 Silver, 1 Bronze)
8. Soana Tupou (1\u00a0Bronze)<\/p>\n
1. Malakai William Tupou (Male)
2. Taniela Mosimosi Koula o Tonga Lutui (Male)
3. Pita He (Male)
4. Feao Moe Ofa Ki Vake ‘a e Sola Nonu (Male)
5. Olita Cocker (Female)
6. Vake He Kakala Nifofa Fonofehi (Female)
7. Senilaite Alofaki Tupou (Female)
8. Soana Tupou (Female)
9. Suliana Pahulu\u00a0(Female)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n