Elemai Takes On The World

Elemai Lagahetau-Humm is a force to be reckoned with – a mother, grandmother, massage therapist, personal trainer, nutrition advisor/distributor and champion power lifter.

The beginning of her story is one many may recognise – she moved to Christchurch from Auckland in 1990 to study fashion design part time and work as a personal trainer. She wasn’t prepared for the loneliness of a new city, or the cold! As a result, she sought refuge in the gym, staying warm and busy lifting weights. 

“I missed not having a family around me,” says Elemai, “weight training gradually restored my confidence and gym members were impressed with the heavy weights I was able to lift. Depression became a thing of the past and the strength and power I felt as each day pass by made me realise my potential. I wanted to build up my clients in the gym as a Personal Trainer. I became this happy person wanting to feel the adrenalin (lifters high) after a training session and seeing my physique transform.”

One day the owner of Les Mills approached Elemai about entering a powerlifting competition. “It never entered my head that there was such a competition,” she says, “I entered without doing any research.”

On the day of the competition, after being dropped off by her boss, Elemai’s butterflies turned into full anxiety. “I realised I was out of my league and almost walked out without trying.”

Fortunately a male competitor saw her uncertainty and in 15 minutes had taught her how to execute a squat, dead lift and bench press like a pro. Despite her heart racing and lack of experience, Elemai found the competition exhilarating and left the South Islan Championships placed 2=

“I was elated to hold a trophy, and a bit dumbfounded really!’ she says.

Strength to strength

From there, she won more competitions in Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand Nationals qualifying to make up New Zealand’s Team A (as well as Masters Women Individual classes at the Oceania Masters Powerlifting New Zealand Championships 1995). 

She came away with Gold, Silver and Team Gold and qualified for the Masters World Powerlifting.  The reality of raising money for events meant she couldn’t always make it to competitions, but having to ride a bike everywhere kept her very fit! Elemai retired from powerlifting in 1999 and took up golf.

Ever the competitor, she ended up with a 10 handicap and gold, silver and bronze medals in golf, before turning her hand to archery. 

Faith restored

Her body changed over time and led her self esteem downwards again. Eventually, she saw an ex colleague, Precious McKenzie was making a comeback in powerlifting. “After meeting up with Precious he restored my interest in Powerlifting again after 19 years retirement from competition,” says Elemai. “The World Masters Competition in Las Vegas competition is very appealing, but at 60 years old I did question my ability to compete again.”

“I lost direction for a while and allowed my lifestyle to go from healthy to unhealthy – that is not the direction to go in,” she says. “I am training again and have encouraged a former client, Rosalie, to train and compete too. We are in the team with Precious McKenzie and looking forward to the challenge.” 

Elemai is an inspiration. She has overcome depression, self doubt and financial hurdles and focused on how good it feels to be fit and competitive. We wish her all the best in Las Vegas!