By James Sablan
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Variety News Staff
FOR many athletes, the weight of the bar is the heaviest burden on the platform. But for the NMI’s very own Aiden Gimed, the greatest challenge was not the physical 112kg load — it was the mental battle within.
In a stunning display of composure and strength, youth weightlifter Gimed recently delivered a performance that transcended mere numbers, securing two silver medals and reinforcing his status as one of the region’s most promising lifters during the 2026 IWF Universal Cup and Oceania Weightlifting Championships held Tuesday last week in Apia, Samoa.
Representing the Federated States of Micronesia, his journey to the podium was paved with lessons learned in the waters of Saipan and the iron-scented air of his home gym.
Stepping onto the platform for his final lift, Gimed knew it was his chance to make a name for himself.
He had already established a strong foundation with his first snatch lift of 103kg and second lift of 108kg, but 112kg represented a milestone he had not attempted in some time.
“For my final lift, I felt confident but also a little nervous,” Gimed said. “But I stayed positive, cleared my mind, and made the lift.”
Gimed continued to impress judges and spectators alike in the clean and jerk, recording an opening lift of 125kg. Although he missed his second attempt at 133kg, he recovered with a successful third lift at the same weight to finish with a total of 245kg — an improvement of 15kg from last year’s Pacific Mini Games in Palau.
Like many elite athletes, Gimed admits to occasionally overthinking during practice, when the fear of missing a heavy lift can creep in. However, when the lights were brightest, the nerves vanished. He replaced hesitation with calm, focused positivity that allowed his technique to shine.
“In competition, I stayed calm, pushed those thoughts away, and focused on being positive,” Gimed said.
While spectators might have viewed him as an underdog in a competitive field, the label never crossed his mind. For him, the competition wasn’t about ranking; it was about the pure joy of the sport.
“To be honest, the underdog status didn’t really affect my mindset because I never thought of it that way,” Gimed said. “I just told myself to have fun and lift with everyone else.”
That mentality is balanced by a long-term goal: reaching the Olympics. Gimed is not just looking to participate — he wants to medal on the world’s biggest stage. It is this ambition, coupled with an unwavering support system, that fuels his daily grind.
“I stay motivated because of the strong support from my family and the people at the gym,” Gimed said. “They fill my mind with positive thoughts, and I don’t want to let anyone down.”
Gimed’s mental toughness did not happen by accident. He credits his time on Saipan Southern High School’s outrigger paddling team for helping build the grit required for individual sports. In a canoe, if one person stops, the whole team suffers — a lesson he carried into the gym.
“It helped me with my stamina and my mentality,” Gimed said. “I was always told if you give up on the boat, the whole boat will slow down.”
Gimed was quick to share the glory. Following his podium finish, he dedicated his medals to those who supported him throughout his journey.
“First, I’d like to dedicate this medal to my mom, who has always pushed me to do my best and guided me in the right direction,” Gimed said.
“Thank you Congressman Andy Choor of Yap, and Einstein Perman of Pohnpei for paying my tickets to go compete and that I’m very honored that they spent it on me. I also thank Leowell Cristobal for being my legal guardian and being able to help me and learn new stuff.
“I also want to thank my coach, Angel San Nicolas, for always supporting me inside and outside the gym and pushing me to be my best, even when I didn’t believe in myself. Lastly, I thank my federation, FSM, for giving me the opportunity to represent them and for their strong support.”
With a medal now around his neck and his eyes set on the Olympic rings, Aiden Gimed is no longer just a rising star — he is a proven competitor who knows exactly how to carry the weight of his dreams.
James Sablan has been a sports reporter for Variety since 2013. He was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College and covers all local sports.
