Watch: Stadium side with David Liti

One of the lasting images from the 2018 Commonwealth Games will be the big smile on Kiwi weightlifter David Liti's face.

The gold medal winner burst to prominence on the Gold Coast with his superb performance to win the +105 kg event – successfully lifting a staggering 403kg – a new Commonwealth Games record.

But on top of his brilliant success, Liti captured the imagination of New Zealanders with his bubbly personality and infectious smile. Almost overnight Liti became a household name in New Zealand.

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The 21-year-old Aucklander first attempted weightlifting in 2010 but decided he'd rather be playing rugby. But coach Tina Ball managed to convince him that he would just be another number playing the 15-man code while he could be truly special in weightlifting.

The message hit home and Liti began working with Ball – the results were there for all to see.

Ball's influence has been immense and Liti thinks she has been a huge part of his success.

Liti sat down with The Herald to find out why he adopted such a happy-go-lucky attitude to competing and how it worked out perfectly for him.