Two sub-junior division athletes took out top honours at the 2024 Coca-Games which concluded in Suva last night.
In just her first year competing at the Fiji Finals, Resina Rabaleira was awarded the overall best female athlete award after winning a total of three gold medals for Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School.
Rabaleira won gold in the 1500 metres girls event, the 800m and 4x400m event over the three-day competition.
“I just can’t believe it, out of all the athletes here in the competition and I was able to take out this award,” an emotional Rabaleira said.
“I dedicate this medal to my family back in Vanua Levu, I wish they could be here to celebrate this achievement with me,” she added.
It was a memorable day for Othniel Tuvusa of Marist Brothers High School as well, as he took the overall best male athlete award of the 2024 Coca-Cola games.
He set a new record in the sub junior boys 100m with a time of 11.54 seconds breaking the record set by Kolinio Radrudru of Queen Victoria School in 2015, and also won gold in the 4×100 meters.
“This is just the beginning of my journey I want to thank God for giving me the talent and power to be an athlete and a better person,” said Tuvusa.
“It’s really a best memory for me as this my first year in school, I will surely do my best and do better for my school,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Association acting secretary Biu Colati said it was good to see young athletes win the prestigious award.
“The best part is we will get to see them against next year and how exciting will that be.
“It has been one of the best games and we look forward to making it better next year.”
The Coke Games will enter its 50th year next year and Colati said they were already looking at ways to make it a memorable one.
