MARYANN Macedru of Saint Joseph’s Secondary School broke the intermediate girls shot put record twice at the 2025 Coca-Cola Games yesterday.
In her first attempt, the 18-year-old from Ra, with maternal links to Lau, threw a massive 13.72 metres, surpassing the previous record of 13.27m she herself had set last year.
She didn’t stop there.
On her second throw, she went even further, recording 13.83m to raise the bar once more and secure her gold medal in style.
Macedru, a Year 13 student, said her journey in athletics began in class four when she won a bronze medal at the Chow Games.
But it wasn’t until Year Nine that she discovered her talent.
“At first I just tried it out for fun,” she said.
“But my coaches kept pushing me and telling me I had potential,so I took it seriously.”
She made the decision to stop playing netball and basketball to focus fully on shot put, a decision that has taken her to international competitions.
Macedru represented Fiji at the 2023 Pacific Games in Solomon Islands where she came sixth, and again in the 2024 Oceania Games where she won bronze.
She is now focused on the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau, and has been training six days a week, with morning and afternoon sessions.
“What motivates me is my parents and especially my coach.
“He gives his all in training me and I admire that.”
Macedru dedicated her record-breaking performance to her family and coach.
“I know I can do better. I’ve thrown farther before in training, but I’m proud of what I did today and I’ll keep pushing for more.”
