By: Matauaina Isaako, Government Radio 2AP & TV9. The Tafi brothers are set to represent Samoa this week at the prestigious Samoa IBFC Universal Weightlifting Cup 2026; a triple-header event combining the IWF World Cup, Oceania Championship, and Commonwealth Championship.
John and Elama Tafi, hailing from the villages of Satoalepai and Afiamalu, began their weightlifting journeys during secondary school.
John Tafi attended Maluafou College while his younger brother Elama Tafi is a Leifiifi College alumni.
John Tafi, 23, has since established himself as a prominent athlete, earning over twenty career medals for Samoa thus far, while setting numerous regional and international records.
Most recently, he was named the best overall male athlete at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau, where he earned 3 Gold Medals for Samoa in the Men’s 71kg division (Snatch, Clean & Jerk, and Total).
Elama is also an emerging talent, having secured Oceania gold and silver medals, as well as a bronze for the Men’s 65kg Snatch at the Palau Mini Games.
In an exclusive interview with Tala Fou mai Vaifanua, John Tafi shares that competing alongside his younger brother is a significant and emotional milestone.
“I’ve always wanted to set an example for my younger siblings, and this could be the best motivation for them,” he stated.
John and Elama are the sons of proud parents, Epi and Tafi. They will start competing as part of Samoa’s IBFC National Weightlifting team from Tuesday 28th April.
John Tafi says the team’s preparations are coming along smoothly, and everyone remains grounded in their purpose.
“It’s never about us; it’s about making our people, especially our family, proud. God is at the center of our preparations, and we pray that each member of our team will perform with humility.”
Samoa are the proud hosts of the IBFC Universal Cup triple-header event, made possible through the $700,000 tala sponsorship support of Samoa’s International Business Finance Centre (Samoa IBFC) who are the naming rights sponsors.
nbs – The National Bank of Samoa who have been long term supporters of Samoa Weighlifting are amongst the local businesses throwing their support behind Samoa’s hosting of over 70 nations and 500+ athletes including coaching staff and supporters.
This is the first time Samoa has hosted an international weightlifting tournament of this scale, strengthening its reputation for hosting major sporting events.
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