JASMINE Daunakamakama says winning a historic Commonwealth Games boxing medal was an overwhelming experience after years of dedication, sacrifice and resilience.
Daunakamakama became the first Fijian woman to win a Commonwealth Games medal in boxing after securing bronze at the Games.
For the 23-year-old boxer, the achievement was the fulfilment of a dream she had carried since childhood.
Daunakamakama said she had started writing down her goals when she was 10 years old, long before she knew where her boxing journey would take her.
“I remember writing my goals down from 10 years old,” she said.
She said the moment she first picked up a pair of boxing gloves created a spark that continued to grow as she committed herself to the sport.
“It felt unreal but real at the same time because I had done the work,” Daunakamakama said.
She said she had dedicated herself to boxing physically, mentally and spiritually, making the Commonwealth Games medal even more meaningful.
“It was an overwhelming experience,” she said.
However, Daunakamakama said it was not until she returned to Fiji and visited her village that she was able to fully appreciate the significance of the achievement.
She shared her medal with members of her community and said seeing them celebrate and treasure it as their own helped ground the experience.
“It allowed me to appreciate the achievement just as much,” she said.
The medal also represented a significant moment in a career that has included both highs and lows.
Daunakamakama, who is in her third year in the elite division, said her journey had tested her physically and mentally and required her to remain focused despite setbacks.
She credited her parents, support system, coach and the Fiji boxing team for helping her stay on the right pathway.
“They have really been a rock in this experience for me,” she said.
“They have been just as disciplined as I am and I’m just a reflection of the people around me.”
Daunakamakama said boxing came with several challenges, including managing her weight while maintaining the level of performance required at international competitions.
She also reflected on the disappointment surrounding her experience at last year’s Liverpool World Championships, where a missed gender test affected her participation.
Rather than allowing the setback to define her, Daunakamakama said she used it as a lesson in resilience.
“I kept my head up and I think I learned the lesson of being resilient,” she said.
“No matter what the outcome is, I will stay true to myself and continue to practise integrity through the process.”
Daunakamakama believes remaining committed to the process will eventually produce results.
Her Commonwealth Games achievement has also placed her in a position to inspire the next generation of female athletes.
She urged young girls and women to take the time to understand themselves, block out negative voices and refuse to be limited by stereotypes or fear.
“Block out the noise, block out the stereotypes that are pushed on you,” she said.
“you are more than capable of greatness once you strip all of that away.”
Daunakamakama said young people should pursue whatever they are passionate about, whether it is sport, music, dance or another field.
