 Maamaloa Lolohea participated in the Beijing Olympics on Tonga's behalf, competing in weightlifting. Lolohea was born in Kolofo'ou, a district of the capital city Nuku 'alofa, and competed in Beijing as a 40-year-old in the men's super-heavyweight class division, which encompasses athletes who weigh more than 105 kilograms. Lolohea had not previously competed at any Olympic games. The Tongan athlete competed in his event on August 19, where he faced 14 other athletes. During the snatch phase of the event, Lolohea was given three attempts. He successfully lifted 127 kilograms on his first attempt, 135 kilograms on his second attempt, and 140 kilograms on his third and final attempt. During the clean and jerk phase of the event, he successfully lifted 173 kilograms on his first try, but unsuccessfully attempted to lift 185 kilograms on his second and third attempts. Because his highest scores were 140 in snatch and 173 in clean and jerk, Lolohea's final and total score was 313 kilograms. Of the 13 competitors who finished the event, Maamaloa Lolohea finished last behind Sam Pera, Jr. of the Cook Islands (350 kilograms), who in turn finished behind Finland's Antti Everi (366 kilograms). Gold medalist Matthias Steiner of Germany, in contrast, lifted a total of 461 kilograms.
