By Everest Hala

Tonga’s bodybuilding team brought home 19 medals from the 2026 IFBB 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 Thailand.

A nine-member Tongan squad, made up of locally based athletes, secured five gold, five silver and nine bronze medals across multiple divisions.

Stand out medalist was Malakai William Tupou, who claimed three gold medals, one silver and one bronze.

Senilaite Alofaki Tupou added one gold and one silver, while Olita Cocker collected one gold, one silver and one bronze.

Tonga Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation president Talaiasi Nau praised the team’s performance and the growth of the sport in the kingdom.

“I wish to congratulate Team Tonga for their outstanding performance at the 2026 IFBB Australasian Championships in Sydney, Australia,” he said.

Nau said a milestone for the federation was that all athletes representing Tonga were based in the kingdom, reflecting the continued development of bodybuilding locally.

He noted an increase in women’s participation, with female representation rising from one athlete in 2025 to five competitors this year.

“The national team’s achievements reflect the dedication, sacrifices and hard work of the athletes, trainers, families and supporters,” Nau said.

He acknowledged support from the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness, the Tonga Sports Association and National Olympic Committee, and Tonga’s Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The federation stated that it remained committed to expanding opportunities for local athletes and was continuing to develop bodybuilding and fitness across Tonga.

Medal Tally:
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 Bronze)

Competitors
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 (Female)