SEINI Irene Leweniqila will stand as the lone female athlete among 28 male representatives for Lelean Memorial School heading into the 2026 Coca-Cola Games.
Leweniqila qualifies for the Coca-Cola Games after claiming the Blue-Ribbon title at the Triple N Zone Athletics meet earlier this month.
Originally from Savusavu with maternal links to Macuata, Leweniqila’s journey to the Fiji Finals is defined by resilience, discipline, and a mindset shaped more by steady improvement than outright victories.
She only joined Lelean Memorial School this year as a Year 13 student, having spent Years 9 to 12 at Penang Sangam High School.
Her move to Suva came after her aunt and uncle were transferred there, and she now lives with them while her parents remain in Savusavu.
Leweniqila acknowledged the support behind her journey.
“I thank the Lord, my family and everyone who supported me,” she said.
Leweniqila carries not just her own ambitions, but the pride of her school and she will prove that even a lone female athlete can make a powerful statement on Fiji’s biggest secondary school’s athletics stage.
LMS team manager Litia Kaloucava says despite being the only girl in the team, Seini has embraced the challenge with a positive attitude that has stood out to coaches and teammates alike.
“She’s very confident and always stay positive,” Kaloucava shared.
“Even though she’s on her own, we believe she can do it.”
Ms Kaloucava says Irene’s focus with her teammates has never been solely about winning, but about growth.
“They wanted to compete in the Fiji Finals not only to win but to work on their personal best,” she said.
Kaloucava adds that training has been rigorous, with morning and afternoon sessions monitored closely by the coaching staff. The shift to camp has already shown results.
“Before zones meet, the attendance and attitude weren’t really 100 percent. But since coming into camp for Cokes, we’ve seen improvement every day and this is where they bond as a team, especially for the relay athletes,” she added.
Lelean’s recent history at the Coca-Cola Games has been modest, with a silver medal in 2024 and a bronze last year.
This year, Kaloucava hopes for more.
“I’m looking forward to getting more golds this year,” she said.
While the boys aim to make their mark in events like the 4x100m and 4x400m relays, the lone female athlete presence in the Blue-Ribbon event adds a different layer to Lelean’s campaign.
