Dr Karlina Tongotea: World Champion Powerlifter

'Dr Karlina Tongotea: World Champion Powerlifter' by David Riley is a biography that is welcome in our non-fiction collection. It follows the true story of an elite Tongan athlete who manages to conquer two completely different, high-pressure worlds: powerlifting and medicine.

This is an interesting read that will inspire young girls. Seeing Karlina excel as both a practising medical doctor and a world-record-breaking athlete proves to young readers that they never have to limit their ambitions. The book makes the story of Dr Tongotea’s journey accessible and real, showing the grit, mental toughness, and hours of training required to compete at the highest level while studying, and also highlighting her Tongan heritage.

This is a book that provides vital representation, showing tamariki that they can have a successful career and compete in elite sports simultaneously. It is an uplifting read that redefines strength and encourages the next generation to dream without boundaries.