“I didn’t start with talent, just a quiet step into the unknown,” says 19-year-old Sakiusa Sokotukivei, who will represent Fiji in the men’s shot-put event at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau.
This will be his first time travelling overseas.
The opportunity means a lot to him.
The young man from Tubou, Lakeba in the Lau Group said it’s a dream come true to wear Fiji colors on the international stage.
“I’m proud to carry my village, my school, and my country into that throwing circle,” he said.
Sokotukivei’s journey began in year 11 at Vashist Muni College during the school interhouse competition.
He chose shot put simply because there were fewer people watching.
“I didn’t know much about it, I just wanted to try something different,” he said.
He didn’t place well but asked his teacher for another chance.
From then on, he trained every morning and afternoon without fail, showing great dedication.
Later, after moving to Naiyala High School in Tailevu, he kept training despite having no proper shot-put gear or field.
“I’ve trained on muddy grounds with injured fingers, but I never gave up,” he said.
At the recent 2025 Fiji Finals, he passed the 13-metre mark for the first time, recording a personal best of 13.67 metres.
“That was a moment I’ll never forget,” he said.
His goal in Palau is simple and that is to do better than before and throw even further.
He thanked his family, school, classmates, teachers and especially Steven Anthony Wise, who has supported him throughout his preparation.
“There were tough days,” he said, “but the people who believed in me gave me strength.”
With 10 days to go, Sokotukivei is ready to throw with pride and make Fiji proud.
