WHAT started out as an act of curiosity has now earned Samuela Vunivalu a national call up to represent Fiji at the Pacific Mini Games in Palau.
Now 20-years-old, Vunivalu out of curiosity took up long jump when he was just nine-years-old while attending Nawaka District School.
The saying, ‘curiosity kills the cat’ does not apply to this tall, Nawaka in Nadi lad as it has landed him many medals right from under-9.
“I guess the coaches saw something because I was selected to represented Nadi at the Chow Games. I represented Nadi from under 9-14 and I won gold in all categories.
“I went on to attend Natabua High School from Year 9 to 13, in years 9 and 10 I didn’t participate because of COVID, and it took a hit on my form. When I resumed in Year 11 to 13, I was only able to finish at third place,” he said.
It wasn’t long until he got back to his winning form as he nailed a jump of 6.74m during the trials, surpassing the 6.50m qualifying standard for the Mini Games.
“I can say I’ve picked up on my form again because I’ve rejoined Nadi Jets Athletics which I was a part of when I was younger.
“After high school, I continued to represent Nadi Jets during the weekly competition, attended trails and I was surprised that I got selected for the Pacific Mini Games,” he added.
This will only be Vunivalu’s second time to represent Fiji.
He was part of the Team Fiji contingent that took part in the Oceania Championship that was held in the country last year.
He claimed bronze in that event. Now, as confident and sharp as ever, Vunivalu who has maternal links to Tailevu is aiming for nothing less than a gold medal.
The secret to this determined spirit stemmed from home.
“My motivation is my family especially my parents, they have always been supportive. They’re always encouraging me to do well in my academic studies and sports.
“At times when I get discouraged, I look back home and picture my parents and the support they have been giving me- that gives me an extra boost,” the former Fiji Finals bronze medallist stated.
Vunivalu studies at the University of Fiji in Lautoka and has so far cracked the code in balancing a demanding schedule.
“It’s quite a challenge in finding the balance between studies and sports. So far things are going okay, I have my classes during the day and in the afternoons or on my free time I attend to my training.”
Residing in Nawaka, Nadi, Vunivalu was part of Athletics Fiji’s Ignite camp held at the HFC Bank Stadium from Wednesday to Friday.
He was also featured in the first time trials for Athletics Fiji’s team to the Pacific Mini Games which is schedule from June 29 to July 9 in Koror, Palau.
