Fiji’s long-distance runner Avikash Lal made his mark in Vancouver, Canada, over the weekend by securing victory during the Hypothermic Half Marathon.
Lal claimed the gold with an impressive time of 1 hour 22.03 minutes, outpacing Rio Valentino of Burnaby, BC who settled for silver in 1:30.33, and bronze medallist Aaron Farrelly with a time of 1:30.44.
Running in temperatures below two degrees Celsius, Lal expressed his delight at competing in his first snow race and was pleasantly surprised to secure his first gold medal in such conditions.
“I had paid for this race myself and this was my buildup for my future races. I am extremely happy, and I still couldn’t believe that I won after my Pacific Games loss in the Solomons,” Lal said.
Lal said he made sacrifices for the race and dedicated the win to all Fijians.
“I made sure I continue training while I work full time as a flight attendant and work in my farm also.
“I dedicate the win to all Fijians and to the gang in Nadi for the lovely support. I wouldn’t have won without my mum and dad’s support,” Lal added.
The Nadi runner hopes to motivate other Fijian long-distance runners.
“I want to tell them to keep working hard towards their dreams,” he said.
