In memory of Daniel Vong

By Uplift Weightlifting Join Me

In memory of a loved one - Daniel Vong

Daniel Vong was an extraordinary person whose kindness, generosity, and dedication left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. He was a beloved son, brother, partner, friend, coach, and mentor who was passionate about helping others, particularly those facing their own mental health challenges. Daniel was open about his struggles and used his experiences to support and uplift those around him.


Daniel was also deeply involved in the Olympic weightlifting and strength sports community, where he built lifelong friendships and inspired countless athletes through his knowledge, encouragement, and genuine passion for the sport. His influence extended far beyond the platform and gym, touching the lives of many both inside and outside the sporting community.


Despite the love and support of his community, Daniel sadly lost his battle with mental health. His passing has left an immeasurable void in the lives of his family, friends, and community.


To honour Daniel’s legacy and continue the work he cared so deeply about, we are holding a charity event to raise funds and awareness for those experiencing mental health challenges. Through this event, we hope to help others find the support and hope that every person deserves.

My Updates

LIFT OFF IS TONIGHT!

Friday 26th Jun
Event starts at 6.30PM at Breakthrough Fitness, Merrylands. Please park on the street and allow extra time for travel. 

Ensure you have your ticket ready at the door to scan.

PLATFORM 1 (front left) - 2 x Boy Bars 

Arthur N - 200

Andy - 200

Michael Cruz - 190

Caleb A - 185


PLATFORM 2 (front right) 2 x Boy Bars 

Sang Hong - 180

Judd - 180 

Tony Ha - 180

Tony Mauceri - 180


PLATFORM 3 (2nd left) 2 x boy bars 

Nitish - 150

Marcus Whitley - 160

Nelson - 160

Brett Moxham - 170


PLATFORM 4 (2nd right) 1 x boy bar 

Kyle - 300

Jordan O - 220

Mark - 240

George Lu - 210


PLATFORM 5 (3rd left) 2 x girl bars 

Isabel - 200

Alex - 160

Saffron - 170

Rebecca - 170


PLATFORM 6 (3rd right) 2 x girl bars 

Tay - 135

Rita - 125

Liv Hicks - 130

Linda Halabe (130)


PLATFORM 7 (4th left) 2 x girl bars 

Sarah - 100

Amelia - 95

Glendale - 85

Linda - 120


PLATFORM 8 *beginner* (4th right) 2 x boy bar 

Adam S - 60

Angelo - 120

Tan Thai - 145

Sunny Gupta - 140


30 lifters! 


JUDGE —> 

Chi Yao (Platform 1 + 2)

Aiden Woolam (Platform 3 + 4) 

Morgan Davies (Platform 5)

Lara Verges (Platform 6)

Adriano Franco (Platform 7 + 8) 


FOOD + SPEECHES to follow the lift off.

We will be selling drinks +  snacks during the lift off with all proceeds going to Black Dog Institute.

Spectators are welcome at the door but must remain in the spectator area during the lift off. Only Judges + Athletes are allowed in the lifting area during the event. 

See you all there!

Daniel Vong Memory Lift Off - 26th June

Wednesday 10th Jun
On the 31st May 2026, Daniel Vong passed away. 

We will be holding an event at Breakthrough Fitness in collaboration with Sarah, his partner -  that aims to raise money and awareness for Black Dog Institute. There are 7 male suicide deaths every day in Australia. 

So come down, participate in the two events 
1. Hang Power Snatch (Dans favourite exercise) 
2. Heavy Clean (2 cleans) + jerk 

Share some memories of Dan with your lifting peers and remember the good times. Dan was an amazing genuine person and we want this event to be all about HIM. Wear red and we will also be playing Dans gym playlist. 

Save the date - 26th June 2026 6.30 PM lifting start. BBQ to follow. FREE entry, but we are trying to raise as much money as possible to donate to a worthy cause. If you can't make it in person, we created this online portal to take donations that go straight to Black Dog Institute. 

Share this with your lifting pals and we hope to celebrate Dan with you all. You do not have to be an Olympic Lifter to participate - and it is not a formal competition. It is a lift off, an informal max out with not too many rules, just Dan's favourite music and vibes. 

200 Railway Terrace Merrylands. Lots of street parking! 

Thank you to my Sponsors

$33.87

Justin Favaloro

RIP Dan

$54.84

Andre Vivero

RIP Vongy

$54.84

Terri Spero

Rest In Peace Daniel. 🕊️

$106.12

Sarah Spero

Thank you Kyle and Izzy for organising xx To my Daniel, Goodbye my love, Thank you for the last 8 years I spent knowing you and growing with you. You were my best friend and best cat dad, best coach, and boyfriend. I hope the money raised will help others like you xx

$28.43

Tan Thai

$700

Uplift Weightlifting

Cash Donations from the Dan Vong Memorial Lift Off - thanks everyone 🖤

$54.84

Matt Henderson

RIP Dan ❤️❤️❤️

$80.96

Caleb Aboagye

$180

Sang Hong

$106.12

Esther And Haos

$28.43

Anonymous

$106.12

Gareth Flotat

$20

Anonymous

$33.87

Judd Felsher

$106.12

Anonymous

$23.50

Rafael Iii Carabana

You have my condolences, Thanks for having me.

$175

Rebecca Mckay

$267.25

Isabel Lorenzi

For Dan 🖤 Thanks for being such a fun and friendly training buddy and being so passionate about weightlifting You would’ve loved this event !

$148.57

Jordon Oxenham

Thank you for running this event, I know Vongy would've loved the shenanigans

$183.77

Marcus Whitley

Miss you vongy

$23.50

Jamie Ha

$54.84

Adriano & Maddie Franco

$23.50

Patricia Manuel

$200

Allie

$23.50

Mel & Mitch

<3 you Vongy

$54.84

Tan Thai

$28.43

Emily Ngo

$516

Steph & Tony

Thank you so much for organising such a great event in memory of my brother ❤️

$54.84

Anonymous

All the best everyone participating. Ril Daniel 🩵 love you Sa 💗

$54.84

Luke Albury

$54.84

Molly Mccarty

Such an amazing event!! Wish I could be apart of it

$106.12

Anna Peppou

Thank you for holding an amazing event to raise awareness for a silent epidemic going on in our own country. 7 men every day? That’s 7 too many. Dan was a wonderful human who touched the life of everyone he knew. I will always remember his smile and courageous soul. RIP Vongy ❤️

$106.12

Anonymous

$200

Simon & Della

$106.12

Samantha Dufty

Dear Dan, you were the one who taught me weightlifting at Tempus, and gave me the confidence to do so. You pushed me to be a better person, and weightlifting and our PT sessions was also my avenue for stress relief. You always went above and beyond to help me and others around you, I will forever miss your cheerfulness and your ability to make someone’s day. Rest in peace Dan, until next time xx Sam

$54.84

Natasha M

$33.87

Joshua Scappa

$11.80

Clarice

🩵🩵🏋🏻‍♀️💪🏼🏆

$159.15

Jess Rout

Daniel, a beautiful soul who made a huge impact on so many people

$54.84

Mark

$23.50

Tom Atkins

$267.25

Raw Barbell Club

Really sad to hear the news about Daniel. I hope you guys and Sarah can hold a really kick ass event in his honour!

$106.12

Hanieh Ebrahimi

Great cause, thank you. RIP Dan </3

$106.12

Sarah Spero

$106.12

Nahir Malki

Love you guys, thank you for organising a great event.

$106.12

Jessie Bagga

$11.80

Jaafar

$54.84

Bek Webb

Dan you were a great friend and I loved working with you. You taught me everything there is to know about Olympic lifting and pushed me to go for it and I thrived. Thank you for being a great friend and I am going to miss you more than you will ever know. See you one day soon xx

$11.80

Axl H