FIJI para-athlete Naibili Vatunisolo Tagicakibau delivered an inspiring performance at the 2026 Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin, Australia.
Naibili secured a bronze medal in the ambulant shot-put event with a throw of 8.94 metres.
Although the mark was below her personal best, the athlete from Balenabelo, Baravi in Nadroga with maternal links to Naivibuli in Saru, Nadroga said the medal carried a meaning far greater than numbers after enduring one of the toughest periods of her life.
Tagicakibau revealed to Times Sport, she lost her father just a week before travelling to Australia, making her preparation for the championships an emotional battle.
“This preparation was the most emotional and challenging of my career,” she said.
“Every session felt different — more personal, more painful, but also more meaningful. Instead of stepping back, I used that pain to push forward.”
The Nadroga athlete said every throw in Darwin was dedicated to her late father and the sacrifices of her family.
“When I step into the circle, I carry my family, my vanua, and every young person in Fiji who needs to see that their dreams are possible,” she said.
Tagicakibau admitted she was not fully satisfied with the bronze-medal performance, saying she expected more from herself technically.
“My goal was to deliver a strong, technically clean performance in shot put,” she said.
“Even though I won a bronze medal, I wasn’t satisfied with my result because it didn’t reflect the standard I know I’m capable of.
“But I’m still proud that I stood in that circle carrying so much emotionally and still fought through it.”
Despite losing both her parents, Tagicakibau said the support from her siblings, relatives, coaches and teammates has helped her continue chasing success on the international stage.
“Their memory is my anchor and overcoming that grief has made me a stronger athlete and a stronger woman,” she said.
She added, representing Fiji remains one of the greatest honours of her life as she hopes her journey inspires others, especially women living with disabilities.
“To every woman in Fiji especially those living with a disability — your dreams are valid,” she said.
