BEEN there done that.
As Team Fiji prepares to re-write a new chapter in the Olympic Games history book, we take this moment to remember one of the country’s sporting legends who had represented the country in four Olympic Games.
Her name might not ring a bell to most young sporting fans but for those that witnessed this champion athlete would agree as one of the best swimmers to graze our shores.
Sharon Pickering-Smith first took up swimming classes at an early age, in fact it was not something she had planned out as a career but because she almost drowned at the age of eight-years, she was enrolled by her parents to swimming lessons.
Those swimming lessons saw the birth of a new swimming star.
Today, at 49, the girl who used to be known as the water baby has achieved the pinnacle of her sporting career representing Fiji at four Olympic Games and was one of the few Fijians to be inducted in the Fiji Sports Hall of Fame.
In this segment, Sharon talks about her struggle, achievement and experience as she prepares for her fifth Olympic appearance in Rio.
“I started swimming in 1976 when I was in Veiuto Primary until 1992,” she said.
“I needed to learn because I couldn’t swim and almost drowned at age of 8.
“I learnt and never stopped and my first big competition was 1979 SPG held in Suva.”
The former Suva Grammar School student represented Fiji to the South Pacific Games, Commonwealth Games and competed at the Olympic Games.
She said the Olympic Games always attracted best athletes and was known as the battle of world’s champions.
While the Olympic experience will be cherished throughout her life, she listed the 1987 South Pacific Games in New Caledonia as her best memorable moment in the sport.
“My best moment in swimming was when I won two gold medals and breaking the SPG records in 1987 with my mum there watching,” she said.
“I represented Fiji as a competitor during the SPG – 1979/1987 (won 2 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze) and in 1991 (won 7 silver, 2 bronze).
“I also featured at the Commonwealth Games in 1982 and 1986 and again played at the Olympic games.”
“The first Olympics 1984 held in LA was an eye-opener. It was big and I was overwhelmed with everything.
“I wasn’t ready for my first race because I was so nervous and wasn’t sure how to handle it.
“Over 10,000 people watching in the stands and more on television and after my first race I got better but still very nervous. I broke five national records out of 6 races.
“At the 1988 Seoul Olympics, I was a little older and had a little experience behind me and handled races a little better and in 1992 held in Barcelona was amazing.
“I peaked at the right time and it was my best performance overseas. I prepared very well for the games. I swam in six events and broke the national records in all events.
“In 1996 held in Atlanta, I was the coach for Caroline Puamau Pickering. It was a little different going to the Olympics as a coach but I got to see the other side of things.”
This year, Sharon is preparing for her fifth Olympic appearance as a coach for Team Fiji, represented by Matelita Buadromo and Meli Malani.
She said she was privileged to again represent the nation at the same time shared her experiences with the national reps.
“The 2016 Olympics is going to be spectacular especially with the size of the team.
“It is the biggest team and I’m looking forward to it and very privileged to be part of a great team.”
The mother of three has also set out her Olympic dream as a coach.
“My dream is to one day coach a swimmer to qualify by merit to the Olympic games.
“Got very close this year so better things to come in the future in Fiji Swimming.”
And as Team Fiji athletes get ready to depart our shores for the Rio Games, Sharon offered words of advice to inspire our men and women for the world’s biggest sporting event.
“Represent your country with pride and be good ambassadors of Fiji.”
Profile:
Name: Sharon Pickering-Smith
Age: 49
Sport: Swimming (coach)
School: Veiuto Primary School, Suva Grammar School
Status: Married, 3 children.
Born in Lautoka, originally from Rewa
Achievements as an athlete:
SPG-1979/1987(won 2 gold 2 silver 2 bronze)/1991 (won 7silver 2 bronze)
Commonwealth Games-1982/1986
Olympic games – 1984/1988/1992
Sport women -1987 / 1991
Hall of Fame -2007
Coaching record: started coaching 1989.
SPG – 1995/2003/2007 /2015
Oceania -2014/2016
Commonwealth -2002/2014
Olympic games -1996/ 2016
World Championship- -2012/2013/2014/2015
