NATABUA High School’s middle distance queen Adi Ceva Lutumailagi secured a gold medal for the fourth time in a row during the Senior Girls 400m final at the 2026 Coca-Cola Games.
The win was something special for Adi Ceva as it is her final year in high school.
The emotion didn’t quite match the magnitude of her achievement.
While speaking to Times Sport, there was no shock in her voice, no sense of surprise.
“I’m not surprised really. But I’m disappointed with my time,” she admitted.
Her dominance in the 400m senior girls final stretches back years, yet behind every stride is a network of support that she was quick to acknowledge.
“I’d like to thank my father, my mother … my dad,” she said.
“They are my source of motivation.”
For the Nadi lass family became part of the process, helping during off-season training, supporting her journey in ways that often go unseen.
Her father, Savenaca Lutumailagi, spoke with pride and humility while still processing what his daughter had achieved.
Adi Ceva has been collecting gold medals since her sub-junior days, rising steadily through each grade with determination.
“I was tested today (yesterday) but I’m extremely proud and grateful,” he said.
To him, her victories were the result of years of hard work.
“She’s a wonderful girl — humble, obedient and always listening.”
Mr Lutumailagi always reminded his daughter to always put God first, and everything else would follow.
“She’s followed that since her primary school at Nadi District School—that’s where it began,” Mr Lutumailagi said
Adi Ceva’s focus has already shifted forward for the 2026 Oceania Athletics Championships that will take place in Darwin, Australia on 18-23 May.
When asked what advice she would give to aspiring athletes dreaming of their own gold medals, her answer was simple, but deliberate.
“Never give up. Always have faith and trust in yourself.”
Then she expanded, offering a glimpse into the mental strength behind her performances.
“It’s all in the mind. Stop thinking about problems… who’s coming first, who’s breaking records. You just do you.”
