The 2025 Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Association (FSSAA) Fiji Finals came to a breathtaking close yesterday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, marking the end of the 50th edition of the Coca-Cola Games.
As the most prestigious secondary school athletics competition in the Pacific, this golden jubilee edition did not disappoint, delivering three days of intense rivalry, standout performances, and pure sporting passion.
A light drizzle greeted fans on the final morning, but not even the early rain could dampen spirits.
Supporters arrived in large numbers, eager to cheer on their schools in what would turn out to be one of the most memorable final days in recent history.
The weather soon cleared, setting the perfect stage for athletes to showcase their talents on both track and field.
In the boys’ division, Marist Brothers High School held the lead heading into the final day, while Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) High School commanded the girls’ leaderboard.
With the pressure on, all other schools had it all to do if they were to catch the defending champions.
MGM wasted no time, starting the day with a statement win in the open girls 3000 metres event.
Merekeleni Ratubaka claimed gold for the Nabua-based school, setting the tone for what would be a dominant day.
Nakasi High School’s Serevi Tova followed with a gold medal in the boys’ 3000m, adding to the excitement early on.
There was equal buzz on the field events. Karolina Maramamaivei of Ballantine Memorial School captured the first gold of the day in the senior girls shot put.
MGM continued their winning streak with Savaira Kulavia earning gold in the sub-junior girls’ javelin, thanks to a remarkable 36.45 metre throw.
One of the biggest highlights came from Suva Grammar School in the senior boy’s discus throw.
In an unprecedented sweep, the school claimed all three medals. Farhan Ali led the charge with gold, Tomasi Lovo took silver, and Glen Finau completed the clean sweep with bronze, a moment of pride for Grammar fans.
Meanwhile, Natabua High School celebrated as Suliase Bose soared to gold in the senior boys’ triple jump event.
MGM continued their push in the girls’ division with Rekisa Vakacegu adding another gold in the junior girls shot put, placing the team in a commanding position.
As the day wore on, the heats for
0the 200 metres lit up the track.
Star athletes from various schools battled for a spot in the finals, producing blistering performances and plenty of drama.
While athletes rested between races, the Natabua High School cheerleaders brought the crowd to life with a spirited performance that had the whole stadium on its feet.
The 800m finals brought further thrills.
Natabua High claimed two gold medals in the boys’ category, piling pressure on Marist and narrowing the gap at the top of the leaderboard.
However, MGM cemented their dominance in the girls’ competition during the 200m finals.
Their victory, built on consistency and depth across multiple events, widened the gap between them and Adi Cakobau School (ACS) by more than 12 gold medals, ensuring their second consecutive title in the girls’ division.
What some had dismissed as a “one-hit wonder” last year, MGM proved was a legacy in the making, and one built to last.
There was high drama in the boys’ 200m final when blue ribbon champion Samuela Navitalai of Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS) made a false start.
Gasps rang out around the stadium, but jubilation followed for RKS fans when officials granted him a second chance.
Unfortunately, the pressure from the earlier false start seemed to rattle him, and it was Queen Victoria School’s (QVS) Setareki Saukilagi who sprinted to gold in a stunning finish.
As emotions ran high, all attention turned to the final relay events: the 4x400m.
The atmosphere was electric. With Marist still leading the boys’ division, the pressure was on schools like Suva Grammar, RKS, and QVS to pull off a clean sweep if they had any hope of upsetting the leaders.
Marist rose to the occasion, winning both the junior and intermediate boys 4x400m finals in style, sealing their position at the top and claiming the boys’ title once again.
It was a powerful statement of consistency and class.
QVS claimed the final gold of the day with a strong performance in the senior boys 4x400m, ending the Games on a high note for their fans.
As light rain returned in the late afternoon, the celebration songs echoed across the stadium.
Flagstaff and Nabua, homes to Marist and MGM respectively, erupted in celebration.
Both schools had retained their titles, a feat that speaks to the strength of their athletic programs and the pride of their communities.
The medal presentations were filled with smiles, cheers, and even a few tears.
For some, it was the joy of victory. For others, pride in a podium finish. And for many more, simply the honour of competing at the nation’s most prestigious school sporting event.
Each athlete had already won something bigger than a medal, the chance to represent their school and test their limits on Fiji’s biggest stage.
The 50th Coca-Cola Games did more than celebrate a milestone, it reaffirmed its place as a cultural and sporting cornerstone in Fiji.
A celebration of youth, talent, tradition, and the unifying spirit of competition, it’s a reminder of why the Games matter so deeply to so many.
Congratulations to all the winners. And to those who fell short, hold your heads high. You stood among the best, and your journey is far from over.
Here’s to the next 50 years of greatness.
