Wainibuka Secondary School arrived at the 2026 Coca-Cola Tailevu Zone Athletics Meet with quiet confidence and a clear goal — to qualify for the Fiji Finals.
Team manager Mr Turagabeci said while the team believes it has prepared well, the competition continues to offer new lessons.
“We thought we had prepared our students well, but as the competition goes on, we are learning new things,” Turagabeci said.
“So far, we believe the athletes are ready to compete.”
The school has taken a focused approach this year, placing strong emphasis on its girls’ team while still backing a handful of promising boys.
“We know there are strong schools like Queen Victoria School and Ratu Kadavulevu School in the boys’ division, but that does not stop us,” he said.
Wainibuka’s strength lies in long-distance events, an area the team has concentrated on in recent weeks.
“Our focus is on long-distance races because we have athletes who can do well there,” Turagabeci explained.
“We also have a few sprinters, but our main strength is endurance.”
Beyond the track, the experience itself is a milestone for many athletes, especially the younger ones competing at this level for the first time.
“The excitement is real as some of our sub-juniors are in Suva for the first time and competing at the HFC Bank Stadium. It took time to settle them,” he added.
Despite limited support from old scholars and the wider community, Turagabeci praises the dedication of teachers and the school committee for stepping in to support the team.
“Our teachers have sacrificed a lot to help these students,” Turagabeci shared.
While improving their standing in the zone remains a goal, Wainibuka Secondary School’s main mission is clear to earn a place at the Fiji Finals and continue building for the future.
For the unofficial medal tally, Queen Victoria School is leading the boys’ division with 11 gold, eight silver and 11 bronze medals. Ratu Kadavulevu School is in second place with six gold, nine silver and five bronze medals, while Tailevu North College in third place with two gold, two silver and two bronze medals.
In the girls’ division, Dawasamu Secondary School leads with seven gold, four silver and two bronze medals, while Tailevu North College is second with six gold, seven silver and 11 bronze medals. Wainibuka Secondary School is third with three gold, four silver and four bronze medals.
The two-day competition ends today.
