RISING athletics star Roko Ilaisa Tabete, a 16-year-old deputy head boy at International School Suva and a native of Matuku, Lau, is making a notable shift in his sporting journey by taking up hurdles alongside his signature 400-metre race.
Known for his dedication to track since a young age, Tabete believes that hurdles are adding a new dimension to his athletic skills and endurance.
Tabete’s passion for running began in primary school, and over the past five years, he has consistently represented his schools in the prestigious Coca-Cola Games.
His experience also extends to international competition, having represented Fiji in the 400 meters at the 2024 Oceania Games.
Reflecting on that experience, Tabete said, “I got to have a taste of the international competitions. It’s a much bigger upgrade compared to the national Coca-Cola Games. These experiences helped me improve my mindset as an athlete.”
Recently, Tabete’s coach, Albert Miller, revealed that he has been experimenting with hurdles, a discipline that requires a distinct set of techniques and skills.
The 16-year old admits that the transition from flat sprinting to hurdling has presented challenges but expresses enthusiasm for mastering the new event.
“Hurdles is a unique experience compared to running flat,” he shared. “It’s been quite a challenge, but I’m up for it. I really enjoy the technique and skill involved.”
While currently using hurdles primarily as a training tool to boost his stamina and endurance for the 400 meters, he is optimistic about its potential as a future competitive event.
“Right now, I’m using it as training for the 400 just so I can get up my stamina and endurance. But with my experience in hurdles so far, I think it’s probably one of my potentials to take up later on,” he explained.
Though he has not yet won a gold medal, Tabete has been part of a record-breaking relay team in the Suva 1 zone last year, setting new benchmarks.
“This year I’m hoping that with all my training and my past experiences, I’ll be able to finally win a gold medal or place in the top three.”
Tabete’s journey demonstrates the evolving nature of athletic development, where embracing new challenges like hurdles can provide the competitive advantage needed to excel on both national and international stages.
