NATABUA’S Storm Naivalu and Josevata Tuinavitilevu were crowned the senior 100 metres champions in the girls’ and boy’s divisions respectively during the 2026 Coca-Cola Lautoka Zone athletics competition.
Naivalu won the senior girls blue ribbon event in 12.56 seconds, while Tuinavitilevu claimed the senior boys title in a time of 10.57 seconds.
Naivalu, the daughter of former Fiji-American athlete Jovesa Naivalu, also dominated the 200m final and played a key role in her team’s victory in the 4x100m relay. Their win denied Jasper Williams High School a clean sweep in the girls’ relay division.
“I’m grateful for the win and thank God,” Naivalu said.
She added that she carried the responsibility of her school’s expectations going into the race.
When asked if she plans to follow in her father’s footsteps, Naivalu said she hopes to create her own legacy.
Meanwhile, Tuinavitilevu paid tribute to former teammates and past Coca-Cola Games champions Shane Tuvusa and Batinisavu Uluiyata.
“They always encourage and motivate me to have a strong start,” he said.
Tuinavitilevu is now setting his sights on the upcoming Coca-Cola Games and also congratulated fellow blue ribbon champions from the Tailevu and Suva zones.
