It was a significant achievement for 16-year-old Iris Bentley Fisher as she clinched a bronze medal at the 2025 International Va’a Federation World Distance Championships in Brazil.
Competing in her first-ever overseas event, Fisher delivered a standout performance in the V1 Junior 16 12km race, marking a significant milestone for both her young career and Fiji’s growing paddling scene.
Fiji Outrigger President, Loretta St Julian-Ooms, commended Fisher for her remarkable poise and strength, attributing her success to the spirit, talent, and unwavering resolve of Fiji’s paddling community.
Fisher’s achievement was part of a commendable performance by Team Fiji, which included seven paddlers competing in various categories at the championships in Niterói.
“This was a proud moment for Fiji. Iris showed incredible poise and strength—her bronze medal is a testament to the talent and heart we’re nurturing in our paddling community.”
Team Fiji fielded seven paddlers across multiple categories at the championships, continuing their strong momentum from the 2025 Palau Mini Games, where every Fiji Va’a athlete returned home with a medal.
Among the competitors was Elenoa Vateitei, gold medallist at the Palau Games, who represented Fiji in the V1 Open Women’s 16km marathon in Brazil.
Coach Stanley Ooms praised the team for their resilience in overcoming challenging conditions, jet lag, and unfamiliar waters, highlighting their unity, support for one another, and unwavering pride in representing Fiji.