How Fijian star Taniela Rainibogi overcame England's 'tactical' ploy and judging controversy to grab gold from Cyrille Tchatchet
Published 30/07/2026 at 13:54 GMT+1
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Thought weightlifting was all about pure strength and power? A ”tactical” moment at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games involving Fiji’s Taniela Rainibogi and England’s Cyrille Tchatchet showed that isn’t the case.
Watch: Drama as Fijian star Rainibogi forced to lift again by England after judging controversy
Video credit: TNT Sports
With the duo battling for Games gold, Rainibogi saw his first attempt of 203kg chalked off by the referees as there was too much elbow bend.
The decision was reviewed by the Fijian team but after much deliberation, the jury panel upheld it.
It looked like Rainibogi would have several minutes to contemplate his next attempt with Tchatchet also poised to go at 203kg.
But the English lifter decided to switch things up to try and get an advantage.
”Team England have played a really good tactical game here,” explained 2006 Commonwealth Games weightlifting gold medallist Mikaela Breeze on TNT Sports.
”Cyrille Tchatchet was announced to come out at 203kg but [England manager] Stuart Martin has put that weight up only to 204kg.
”What happens now is that throws it straight back to Rainibogi to come out for his second attempt and he only has one minute to start the lift, having not recovered fully from his previous attempt.”
Rainibogi did not appear flustered by the quick turnaround as he strode back out and successfully lifted 203kg at the second attempt, this time appearing extra keen to show his joy to the panel, and the fans present.
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Silver medalist Cyrille Tchatchet of Team England
Image credit: Getty Images
”Much better,” said Breeze. ”This time no mistakes. He is going to look at those referees to say ‘how is that for you?’”
The lift put Rainibogi up into the lead but Tchatchet responded with a lift of 204kg.
Both managed to lift 208kg with their final attempt, but it was Rainibogi who won gold thanks to his earlier efforts in the snatch.
The Fijian finished with a total of 378kg between the two disciplines, which was 4kg ahead of Tchatchet.
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Watch 'the power of sport' as Fiji gold medallist Rainibogi overcome with emotion
Video credit: TNT Sports
Samoa’s Jack Opeloge attempted to grab gold with three attempts at 210kg but couldn’t make the lift. Canada's Xavier Lusignan took the bronze medal.
As his gold medal was confirmed, Rainibogi took a moment to share a prayer with his team.
”What a beautiful moment,” said Breeze. ”That is the new Commonwealth Games champion. He had such a commanding lead after the snatch that he put the pressure on Samoa, who couldn’t respond.”
Tchatchet said he was "very proud" of his performance.
”It means a lot to me to finally achieve this medal," he told TNT Sports. ”I was desperate for this medal. This medal means perseverance, dedication and hard work.
"I am really pleased with the performance and am very proud of myself.”
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