[2] He initially pursued a career in bodybuilding, representing Samoa at a competition in New Caledonia and winning silver.

[3] He won the silver medal at the 2016 Oceania Weightlifting Championships, lifting a total of 335 kg.

Mao won Samoa’s first gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

[4] Mao won in the final of the 105 kg men's division during the Weightlifting on day five of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games at Carrara Sports and Leisure Centre.

[6] In 2020 he won the men's division in the Oceania Weightlifting Federation Online Cup.