Jenly Tegu Wini: the Solomon Islands' star weightlifter heading to the Pacific Games as a competitor and family member’s coach 

Jenly Tegu Wini has made a habit of being first.

As a 16-year-old growing up in the Solomon Islands, her love for her sport began when she glanced over at a group of boys in the gym weightlifting and made a decision that would go on to shape her life.

“When I played rugby I used to walk past the weightlifting training centre and did not see female athletes training so I decided to walk in and started training,” she told Star Sports.

Back then, she could never have imagined how her journey in sport would progress, as she blazed a trail for athletes in her nation, culminating in the bronze medal she won at the 2018 Commonwealth Games - the first time anyone from her country had stepped onto the podium in the history of the Games.

Wini has also twice competed on the greatest sporting stage of all, with 17th and 15th place finishes in the women’s 58kg category at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics respectively. The status she has gained back home was demonstrated on both occasions when she was named flagbearer for her team during the Opening Ceremonies of each Games.

Now aged 40, Wini is entering the twilight of her career, but as she prepares to compete in this year’s Pacific Games (19 November-2 December), she is determined to produce more winning moments, not just for herself but also the next generation of Solomon Islands weightlifters - including one in her own family.

Keeping it in the family at the 2023 Pacific Games

Wini’s journey to the top has not always been easy. Over the years, she has juggled a successful sporting career, while also raising a child as a single mother.

And while the accolades and medals have become a common feature of her career, being the main caregiver in the family has been a tough but rewarding experience.

“To be a single mother can also be one of the most difficult developments in life, but it is also one of the happiest moments in my life to be able to see my son smile and cry and watch his success all these years growing up,” she said in an interview with Solomon Women.

“Winning medals and becoming one of the country’s top female champions in weightlifting has been one of the memorable experiences in my life and I believe my son is also proud to witness my achievement at the highest point in my career as a sportswoman and single mother.”

But leading into the upcoming Pacific Games, Wini’s son isn’t the only member of her family she is having a great influence on. She now trains niece Shirmara Wini, who has taken to weightlifting in much the same way as her medal-winning aunt, including recently winning bronze in the junior category at the Commonwealth Championship in India.

While having such a talented aunt as a coach does have some great advantages - proven world-class training techniques being one of them - that doesn’t mean Shirmara receives any special treatment from her decorated family member.

"When I train her, I don't treat her like she's my niece or she's my granddaughter... I treat her the same, like the other athletes," Jenly told abc.net.au.

However, for Shimara, the days of tough training also come with words of support borne out of the type of experience that can only be shared by someone who has travelled down the same path before.

"It's very hard for me, but when she was there, she encouraged me and told me that you have to do this because this is what you're here for," Shimara said.

"[Jenly told her] ‘You're not going to waste all of your commitment, training, and your hard work, you're not going to waste it on your nervousness’. And I was like, 'OK, I'm going to go perform and do the best I can'."

A home Games and a chance to bring more unforgettable moments to the people of the Solomon Islands

Wini will once again be the pride of her nation at this year’s Pacific Games but when describing what it means to her to compete on home soil, her thoughts travel not only to her people but also her nearest and dearest.

"I'm proud to represent my country and my family and all the Solomon Island people. They always support me and they look forward to my achievements,” she said.

"I'm looking forward to competing in the home crowd. They've been with me ... since I started and they supported me."

And as well as inspiring her family, she also has a special message reserved for single mothers throughout the world who have experienced similar situations to herself as she made her way through life as a sportsperson and a parent.

“There is nothing to be ashamed of as a single mother; the only thing to do is make the right choice based on your situation,” she said.

“Follow your dream and be yourself, work hard and never give up. Put trust within yourself, be humble, learn to listen, and mostly respect others and you will be successful in whatever you do.”