Athletics Fiji head coach Albert Miller is happy with the performance of athletes who showed up to compete in the final trials for the Pacific Games at Albert Park in Suva yesterday.
The former Olympian confirmed a handful of athletes were able to record qualifying times and distances during the trials which he said was a good sign for Athletics Fiji.
“We had a handful of athletes who have been able to record and reach qualifying times for the Pacific Games that will be held in the Solomon Islands later this year.”
However, with most senior athletes migrating overseas or having left the country for scholarship opportunities, Miller said a young side would be selected for the games this year.
“We have no choice because a lot of senior and experienced athletes have travelled overseas or have moved there permanently.
“However, we have a few senior athletes here taking part, who have already qualified for the games.”
He added, together with other athletics coaches, he will be selecting the names of the final squad to be submitted to the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee on Monday.
“We will be sending our list to them before they confirm the names.”
With less than three months to the Pacific Games, Miller believes he has enough time to prepare his selected squad before leaving the country.
“We have a lot of time and much can be done and improved on within three months.
“That is why we are also selecting extra athletes on the side in case any of our final members get injured whatsoever.”
Also expected to be named in the squad is veteran triple-jump athlete Eugene Volmer who participated in the trials as well.
“Yes, Volmer is looking to make the squad, and he has already qualified for the games.”
