RISING young athlete Jhaire Cokanauto has stamped his mark as one of Fiji’s future star athletes after a sensational performance during the Coca-Cola Tailevu Zone Athletics meet at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva yesterday.
Representing Queen Victoria School, Cokanauto soared into the spotlight by rewriting the record books in the sub-junior boys long jump.
His remarkable leap of 6.17 metres eclipsed the Coca-Cola Games record of 6.12 metres set last year by Opeti Tikoisuva of Suva Grammar School.
The record-breaking jump not only secured him gold but also confirmed his participation as a strong contender on the national schools athletics stage.
“I was not expecting this big achievement, but I thank the Lord for His provision and guidance,” Cokanauto said.
In a display of determination, Cokanauto went on to claim another gold medal in the sub-junior boys’ 400 metres final — an event he is still new to.
His rapid rise in the 400m is particularly impressive considering his experience last year at the Tuckers Primary Schools Athletics competition, where he won gold in the long jump but managed only a bronze in the 400m.
Cokanauto revealed that he only began exploring the 400m last year, having previously focused on short-distance races.
“With my participation last year, I only knew that I could perform well in the long jump event, but unexpectedly, I won gold in the 400m final,” he said.
With the Coca-Cola Games ahead, Cokanauto is already setting his sights higher.
Cokanauto dedicated his achievement to his parents, the QVS community, and its old boys, acknowledging their support in his journey.
Meanwhile, the official torch of the Coca-Cola Games was lit at the Coca-Cola Europacific Partners office at Laucala Beach Estate in Nasinu yesterday, with athletes from defending schools, Marist Brothers High School and Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School present for the ceremony.
The Coca-Cola Games will be held from April 30-May 1 at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
