Despite losing out on a sure gold medal in the sub-junior girls 200 metres at the Fiji Finals, Sera Nasilivata of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School helped her relay team win the 4x100m event on the final day of the competition.
The 14-year-old fell just a few metres from the finish line in the 200m finals, costing her school a gold medal in the event.
The fall of Nasilivata meant Sesenieli Nasoke of SGS won gold, followed by Mereadani Navele of ACS and Natabua’s Ivamere Lutumailagi.
“I don’t really know how I fell; I think it’s because of these track shoes since it’s new and I haven’t trained in them,” the Year 9 student said.
While losing a sure gold medal in the event was devastating for Nasilivata, she managed to make a comeback with her relay team in the 4x100m event.
It was Nasilivata who taped for her relay squad, adding to their medal tally on Saturday.
“During the 200m event, I felt like I had let everyone down. But then my coaches and teachers encouraged me and told me not to feel down.”
While waiting for the 4x100m event, Nasilivata made a vow to herself and her team that they would win gold in the event.
“I was upset with what had happened, so I promised the team that we would win gold in the event.”
Nasilivata also won gold in the 100m finals where she clocked a time of 10.79 seconds.
“I would like to thank my coaches for their constant support in preparing me over the past few weeks for the Fiji Finals. And I would also like to dedicate wins to my family who came to the stadium to support me.”
