THE 2026 Coca-Cola Games Girls Division champion, MGM had dedicated their win to high jumper Tamara Ralagi who had just lost her mother few days leading up to the competition.
School Principal Rajeshwar Prasad says what should have been a time of excitement and celebration instead became a period of reflection and emotional strain, as the team rallied around one of their own.
“The loss was deeply personal, but within the tight-knit MGM team, it was felt collectively,” he said.
Over the three days of competition, the MGM team wore black tape around their shoulder which is a powerful symbol of grief for their teammate.
“The team didn’t just see Tamara’s grief, but they carried it with her,” Prasad said.
MGM’s jumper Tamara Ralagi shares her gratitude to her teammates.
“I am so grateful and lucky to have a team that stood by me during my time of grief,” she said.
Tamara won silver in junior girl’s high jump, bronze in long jump and bronze in 4x400m.
Emotionally, she dedicated her win to her late mother who she wishes to see one more time at the stadium watching her participating.
“I miss my mum, I only wished to see her cheering for me from the stadium, but unfortunately she’s no more with us. This win is for her,” she said.
The 2026 Coca-Cola Games have ended, and MGM had done more than just compete.
Prasad added that their victory was not simply recorded on the scoreboard.
It was etched in emotion, in solidarity, and in the quiet strength of a team that refused to let grief define them but instead, they honored it.
The 2026 Fiji Finals concluded at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on Saturday, with MGM defending their girls title while Queen Victoria School ending a 33-year drought in the boys division.
