Five Fiji weightlifters have qualified for the Mini Games in Wallis & Futuna in September and among them is a new gold medal prospect.

Trials were held on the weekend in Levuka with Seruwaia Malani (48kg), Ulina Tinai (48kg), Tevita Tawai, Mesake Raiviu (85kg) and national coach, Joe Vueti each making the grades.

Vueti says with the unavailability of gold medal reps, Manueli Tulo and Maria Liku for the games, his young brigade so far, will be worthy replacements.

“Tevita Tuwai is my younger brother and he went to the Mini Games in 2009 in the Cook Islands and that time he was really young and now I think he has matured mentally and physically so I think he’s ready to compete on the international arena now. I’m talking to Weightlifting Fiji and there’s a possibility to send him to the Institute in New Caledonia.”

Tulo and Liku have opted out of the Mini Games to take a break from international competition.

Vueti though has called in for reinforcements in the form of Oceania rep, Apolonia Vaivai from Taveuni who will train in Suva.

The next trials will be held in two weeks time.