After a season of steady progress and consistent performances, Waisea Tuiyabayaba heads into the Pacific Mini Games in Palau next week with confidence and focus.
The 19-year-old athlete from Navosa in Nadroga will compete in the men’s 400 metres and anchor Fiji’s 4×400 metres relay team as the country aims to strengthen its athletics presence in the region.
Tuiyabayaba has been unbeaten in all three national trials this season and claimed gold at the Easter National Championships with a time of 49.62 seconds.
His personal best of 49.45 seconds, clocked at the 2025 Coca-Cola Games earlier last month, earned him silver and national attention.
“I’ve stayed consistent in training and focused on my goal. It was hard but then again, nothing we want comes easy,” he said.
“Every race this season has helped me build up to this moment. I guess it was all thanks to God, my coach and my family. Their support played a really big role in helping me build myself as an athlete.”
The Nabukavesi-based athlete is known for his strong finishes and calm approach under pressure.
“I know the level of competition will be tough, but I’m not there to just take part,” he said.
“I want to perform well and bring something back for Fiji.”
Tuiyabayaba said representing Fiji on the regional stage was a proud moment in his athletics career.
“It means a lot to wear the Fiji colours. I just want to give it everything I have when I step on that track,” he said.
The student from Dudley High School admitted that his athletic career is far from complete.
“I understand there’s a long road ahead. Right now, it’s about staying focused and putting in the work,” he shared.
The Pacific Mini Games will officially open this Sunday June 29, with athletics events beginning Monday June 30.
Meanwhile, team Fiji will be departing in two groups, with the first group leaving on Friday and the second on Saturday.
Waisea Tuiyabayaba (right) during a training session that was held at the HFC Bank Stadium last week. Picture: KATA KOLI
