Pacific Games gold medalist Kelera Mudunasoko will be making her dream come true as she takes on the role of Fiji’s flag bearer at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau.
The 17-year-old swimmer of Natabua High School is filled with excitement and pride as she prepares to represent her country in this prestigious event.
Hailing from Lakeba in Lau and with maternal ties to Nadroga, Kelera has won gold in the 100m breaststroke at the Pacific Games, she is also a national record holder and has represented Fiji at three World Aquatics Championships, the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the FINA World Championships in Melbourne.
Mudunasoko said she was humbled by the opportunity to carry the flag.
“I feel very happy to be carrying the Fiji flag at the games. It’s an honor to be doing it so because it symbolises the pride to have to represent the country in Palau,” said Mudunasoko.
“This is my first time to be a flag carrier, and I am a bit nervous but all in all I’m excited. I wanted to do my best for my family, my school, and for Fiji.”
Kelera acknowledges the challenges she has faced during her training, particularly the early mornings that require her to wake up at 5am to practice.
“Training has been good I guess, I am trying to get my technique right but yeah, it’s been tough but all good.
“I guess the hardest part for me was to be waking up early every morning to train. So, I wake up at 5am to do my training, it’s hard but I know that I have to do it if I want to be the best at what I do.
Although Kelera has prior experience competing internationally, she admits that nerves are still a constant factor.
“I think as of right now I’m just finishing up trying to perfect my stoke technique but yeah, all good, I guess. I wanted to do my best for my family, my school, and for Fiji.
“I mean it’s not my first international competition, but nerves are all the time but then I have my family and friends and teammates so yeah, I’m grateful.”
Meanwhile, Team Fiji will be leaving the country on Friday, the Mini Games will take place in Koror, Palau from June 29 to July 9.
