KELENI Samantha Lutu has qualified for the 2025 Pacific Mini Games after a big leap of 5.38 metres in the long jump at the Fiji National Athletics Championships held at the HFC Bank Stadium yesterday.
Lutu, who is in the intermediate girl’s grade, was one of more than 800 athletes who competed during the championships, which also served as the final trial for the Mini Games and for those looking for another chance to qualify for the Fiji Finals.
The former Bucalevu Secondary School student, who is now at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) High School, said she was happy and emotional after her jump sealed her place in the national squad.
“I feel so happy, and I dedicate this to my parents,” she said.
Lutu moved to MGM in term two of last year after receiving a scholarship.
She started her athletics journey in Year 9 while living in Taveuni.
“I don’t know how it started; I just jump and I’m jumping,” she said with a laugh.
She trains every day after school under the guidance of her coach, Fiji’s former top triple jumper Eugene Vollmer.
“It’s tough sometimes because of schoolwork. But I can handle it,” she said.
Her biggest supporters are her parents and siblings. Lutu also claimed gold in the triple jump at the Suva Zone 1 competition earlier last month with a personal best of 9.72m.
“My aim now is to reach six metres and set a new record in the long jump,” she said.
She encouraged young athletes to stay positive.
“Keep that smile on and think positive always.”
A total of 488 male and 376 female athletes from 54 schools and clubs took part in the championships.
Meanwhile, the Pacific Mini Games will be held from June 29 to July 9 with the Fiji Finals from April 24-26.
