It took a leap filled with faith, hope and determination and a clear landing on the mattress for senior boys high jumper Pita Burese to break the 23-year-old record at the 2026 Coca-Cola Games this afternoon.
Burese cleared the bar at 2.10m, setting a new record that broke the previous one of 2.09m set by Antonio Rahiman in 2003.
Burese then attempted to clear the bar at 2.12m but was unsuccessful.
Speaking to The Fiji Times, he recalled how excited he felt coming into the event today and how he knew the diligent form of hard work and determination had finally paid off immensely.
“I feel excited today and happy. All thanks to the Man above,” Burese said.
Burese’s record breaking feat is one of the most distinct highlights of this year’s Games, which ends this afternoon.
