WITH competition in the girls category of the Fiji Finals expected to intensify, former national rep and sprinter Makelesi Bulikiobo believes the increase in competition among female student athletes over the years is the result of a rise in female coaching professionals.
Bulikiobo shared these sentiments when asked what changes she observed within the girls division of the Fiji Finals compared with her time as a secondary school athlete.
“I believe that one of the main areas is coaching. In my time, I only had access to male coaches, but this time, the female athletes today are pretty fortunate that they are now having female coaches, but quality coaching,” the seven-time Pacific Games gold medallist told this newspaper.
“That is something that we missed, and for some of us, we had to travel overseas to get coaching in order to move to the next level.”
She lauded those coaches who had taken the leap forward in elevating their knowledge and understanding of athletics development.
“They have good coaches, quality coaching and these coaches have now also gotten their qualification, they’ve gone out to get qualified or certified coaches in the different areas,” she added.
“So that is something that I believe a big improvement in from my time.”
While she attributed coaching as a dynamic factor in the rise noted in female athletes, she extended an optimistic outlook of the competition awaiting the female athletes tomorrow.
“For all of you athletes, especially female athletes, you know you have a talent, you have a calling, you have a purpose,” the former national athlete urged.
“This is one of it; to make good use of your talent. You know, you trust your coaches.
“Trust the process that they have taken you through in terms of your preparation, and come out there and enjoy and, you know, be yourself and have fun.”
Meanwhile, Bulikiobo’s 2007 Pacific Games record of 11.55 seconds, set in Apia during the women’s 100m event still stands.
