The roar of the crowd, the tension in the air, and the weight of expectation all came together in one defining moment at the Coca-Cola Games as Swami Vivekananda College’s Brieanna Rabakewa stepped into the discus circle for what would be the throw of her life.
With calm determination and quiet confidence, Rabakewa unleashed a massive throw of 46.88 metres, a distance that not only secured her the gold medal in the Senior Girls Discus, but also shattered a long-standing record of 39.24 metres set in 2017 by Ana Baleira of ACS.
It was a moment of triumph, one that will be etched in Coca-Cola Games history, but for Rabakewa, the victory meant far more than numbers on a scoreboard.
It was the culmination of years of unseen sacrifice, resilience, and an unwavering belief in herself.
Ratu Sukuna Memorial School’s Loata Lewageena pushed hard to claim silver with a commendable 44.17 metres, while Maryann Macedru of Saint Joseph’s Secondary School secured bronze with a solid 41.14 metres.
Yet, on that day, the spotlight belonged to Rabakewa, not just for her record-breaking performance, but for the story behind it.
“My journey started off with just me and my dad both learning how to throw through videos on YouTube and TikTok, and from then till today we still do!” she shared, her words reflecting humble beginnings grounded in determination and resourcefulness.
That foundation would become the bedrock of a journey defined by consistency and hard work.
“From the moment I picked up the disc till now I never stopped training, even during the holidays and bad weather,” she said.
That relentless commitment is what set her apart. While others rested, Rabakewa kept showing up, in the rain, in the heat, through fatigue and doubt. It is often said that greatness is built in moments no one sees, and her journey is a testament to that truth.
Her five-year journey at the Coca-Cola Games has been filled with milestones, memories, and growth that extend beyond the field of play.
“Through my 5 years competing in the Coca Cola Games, I’ve been blessed with so many unforgettable moments of growth, achievement, and joy. From building lifelong friendships to experiencing the pride of representing my school, every season has shaped me into a stronger and more confident person.”
But behind the medals and celebrations lies a reality that many young athletes quietly endure, a reality Rabakewa bravely chose to share.
“I want to open up about the side of being an athlete that often goes unspoken. I want to talk about these struggles to encourage other athletes to keep going, even when things feel overwhelming.”
Her words resonate deeply, peeling back the layers of what it truly means to be a student-athlete.
“There are so many things we as athletes go through that people don’t always see. Behind the performances, records, and medals, we quietly battle things like trying to find our identity outside of sports, figuring out who we are beyond the field, the track, or the game.”
In a world that often defines athletes by their results, Rabakewa highlights the internal struggles that rarely make headlines, the search for identity, the silent battles, and the pressure to perform.
“We push through burnout, even when the sport we love starts to feel exhausting. We carry mental struggles in silence because we’re expected to always be strong.”
For many young athletes, this balancing act becomes overwhelming.
“Balancing school and sports feels like living two lives at once, constantly trying not to fall behind in either. And one of the hardest parts? The fear of letting people down, our coaches, our families, our teammates, and even ourselves.”
Yet, within that struggle lies growth.
“But the truth is, all of this is normal. It’s part of growing, part of learning who we are, and part of becoming stronger, not just as athletes, but as people. Every challenge, every doubt, every moment of pressure is shaping us into something greater than just what we do on the field.”
As Rabakewa prepared for her final throw, the weight of her journey, the sacrifices, the struggles, and the lessons, came together in one powerful moment.
“As I stepped onto the circle for my very last throw I wanted to make a statement!”
And she did exactly that.
Her record-breaking throw was more than just a winning effort, it was a declaration of perseverance, faith, and belief.
“Even with everything you are going through, the Lord would never put you through anything that you cannot overcome and even with everything thrown at you, it is only for your good, to come out stronger, growing through everything we once thought we couldn’t handle.”
As she walked away from the circle, gold medal secured and record broken, Rabakewa carried something far more valuable than victory.
“And as I walked off that circle, I carried more than just a result, I carried growth, faith, and a story I’ll always be proud of.”
For every young athlete watching from the stands or dreaming from afar, her story is a reminder that success is not just about winning, it is about the journey, the resilience to keep going, and the courage to rise above every challenge.
Because sometimes, the greatest victories are not measured in metres or medals, but in the strength it takes to keep believing, even when the odds feel overwhelming.
