AT just 17, Merewalesi Kolitapa would be carrying more than gloves in her suitcase when she arrives in Thailand today.
She carries the hopes of a family built on boxing and a nation watching quietly from afar.
The amateur boxer will compete in the 60kg division in a bid to qualify for the Youth Olympics in November.
It is a daunting stage; one filled with opponents from across the globe. But speaking from inside the Butterfly Boxing Club gym in Vunavutu Village, Nadroga, a day before she flew out of the country, Merewalesi showed she was ready for the ring.
“It’s not going to be easy facing off with boxers from other parts of the world,” the Sigatoka Methodist College student said.
“I know I’ve trained very hard with the help of my dad, who is my trainer, and I know that my perseverance will be rewarded in Thailand.”
Behind her quiet confidence lies a trail of sweat and discipline. Over the past few weeks, she has been waking up at 4am to take in punishing morning roadwork, technical drills, and a strict meal plan.
Every technique she learned has been sharpened under the watchful eye of her father and coach, Temo Kolitapa.
For Merewalesi, boxing is not just a sport. It is family legacy to live up to.
She comes from a household where gloves and grit are part of daily life.
Her father represented Fiji in amateur boxing from 1995 to 2001, competing in the South Pacific Games and Oceania Games.
Her mother, Visila Kolitapa, is both a former national boxer and Boxing Commission of Fiji board member.
Even her brothers — Alivereti Dodomo and Joe Nesta Rasovo Kolitapa — have had their stints in the ring chasing their own dreams. Visila knows what her daughter’s upcoming fight demands.
“I am proud of my daughter and what she has achieved so young in life, ” she said.
“She is a keen learner and a hard worker. I know she will go a long way and make her family and country proud.”
The road to Thailand has not been without obstacles. Funding challenges threatened to slow preparations, but the family refused to let financial hardship define the journey.
“Merewalesi’s biggest challenge going into this qualifying round was financial constraints, but we did not let that spoil her preparation, ” Visila said.
The family’s display of resilience runs deep. Temo once trained his wife — a former volleyball player — into becoming a successful boxer.
She went on to make history as Fiji’s first female boxer to compete for a recognised WBF belt against an Australian professional champion.
Now, it is their daughter’s turn. In Thailand, Merewalesi will step into the ring not just as a teenage hopeful, but as the next chapter of a fighting family determined to leave its mark.
“I have done my part as her trainer and the whole family is behind her. Now it’s her turn to shine,” dad Temo said.
“Of all my children she has the passion and works really hard.
“I dream of the day she will return from the Olympics with a gold medal.”
Merewalesi Kolitapa, 17, remains focused as she prepares for her next challenge in the ring.
Picture: JOHN KAMEA
