GABRIEL Fatiaki aims to bring honor to his country by securing a spot on the Fiji team for the Pacific Mini Games in Palau.
At just 16-years-old, Fatiaki is a member of the Great White Sharks swimming club in Lautoka and recently participated in the final trials for the Fiji Swimming team at the National Aquatic Centre in Laucala.
Reflecting on his journey, Fatiaki shared that his swimming endeavor began at the age of 11 as a simple fitness activity.
As his skills progressed, his passion for the sport blossomed, propelling him to relentlessly pursue his goals and strive for excellence in the pool.
“I first started swimming at the age of 11, it was just to keep myself fit, and over time I started to get better in the sport, and then the love for the sport came from there I keep pushing myself to reach my goal,” said Fatiaki.
Though born in New Zealand, Gabriel considers Fiji his true home, having spent the majority of his childhood in Fiji.
During the trials, Gabriel competed in events like the 100m Individual Medley, 100m butterfly, and 200m Individual Medley, pouring his heart and soul into each race with the hope of earning a spot on the national team.
If selected to represent Fiji, Gabriel’s primary objective is to deliver his absolute best performance and clinch victories in all his events at the Pacific Mini Games.
Expressing gratitude to his coach and family for their encouragement, Fatiaki eagerly anticipates the opportunity to potentially compete at the Pacific Mini Games in Palau from July 25 to August 4.
