JONE Sinaikaba Kuruicivi of Lelean Memorial School soared to victory in the senior boys high jump, clearing an impressive 1.85 metres to claim gold in the Coca-Cola Games Triple N Zone meet at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva yesterday.
Heading into the zone competition, the Lawai villager from Nadroga never anticipated a podium finish, let alone a gold medal.
“I thank the almighty for giving me the strength to win this gold,” he said.
“During training we hardly used the mattress, maybe just three or four times after the interhouse. That’s why I didn’t expect to win gold today.”
Kuruicivi first tried high jump in the intermediate grade two years ago and has steadily progressed since.
With the Easter Games scheduled for this Friday, Kuruicivi hopes to use the competition to build on his form ahead of the Fiji Finals.
“For the Coca Cola Games I hope to jump a new personal best of 1.90 metres,” he said.
Today, Kuruicivi will also compete in the senior boys triple jump, aiming to surpass his personal best of 12.35 metres.
He dedicated his gold medal win to his coaches, friends, and parents who have supported him since his junior days.
