SHE is a 14-year-old girl with an unwavering faith in God and besides her athletic agility, is determined to leave the Capital City with a medal from the Fiji Finals.
Iliana Baleisakau is one of the many athletes participating in the competition, which starts today at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
The long-distance athlete hails from the village of Namuana with maternal links to Nabukelevu-i-ra on Kadavu Island, is competing in the 1500 and 3000 metres events and will represent Vunisea Secondary School at the three-day meet.
She shared her experiences in participating not just for the Coca-Cola Games (also known as the Fiji Finals) but the Maritime Zone athletics competition earlier this week.
“I did not expect to participate in the competition and assumed I would remain and participate in Kadavu and I did not think I’d come this far to Suva,” the year nine student explained.
Preparing herself as a long-distance runner has its unique aspect of training and preparation, and for her, it was not without its challenges.
“It was always about enduring the challenges I faced in training but I have overcome those hurdles in order to prepare myself for the competition,” she said.
Prior to leaving her home back on the island, she recalled the advice of her loved ones in encouraging her to do her best and return home with a medal.
As the timely words of her support system etched itself in her mind, she added her hard work, determination and steadfast resolve in the guidance of the Lord has kept the young athlete going.
Meanwhile, her school garnered top honours at the Maritime Zone as its overall champions, scooping 20 gold, 10 silver and seven bronze medals.
