PACIFIC Games and Fiji Finals gold medallist Rusiate Matai has secured a scholarship to the US where he will study and refine his skills in high jump.
A golden jump of 2.04 metres at the 2023 Pacific Games and 2.03m at the Fiji Finals earlier this month has put the Balata College student on the map, luring lucrative deals that will auger well for his academic and athletics strive.
Matai’s coach and schoolteacher Lasaro Dike confirmed that his 19-year-old athlete has been awarded a scholarship at Neosho County Community College in Kansas, US.
“We are very thankful that after the Fiji Finals, we received confirmation about Matai’s scholarship to Kansas. As his coach, I’m thankful to God for opening these doors of opportunities for Matai,” Dike said.
Matai, who hails from Nadarivatu in the interior of Ba, will not be alone as he will be travelling with Adi Cakobau School sprinter Melania Ranadi.
“After the Oceania Championship, Matai will be headed to Kansas State in August. He will be going with Melania Ranadi so they will not only study but also get the right training and more competition,” Dike added.
Matai has also been selected for the upcoming Oceania Championship next month at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
He has been chosen alongside his younger brother and school mate Sitiveni Matai, who won bronze in the intermediate boys high jump with 1.90m. || RUSIATE MATAI || PACIFIC Games and Fiji Finals gold medallist Rusia
