The 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara will see Fiji’s athletics team dominated by a fresh squad of secondary school athletes, marking a new era for the island nation’s track and field.
Sprint coach Antonio Raboiliku confirmed that, aside from three athletes retained from the 2019 Games, the rest of the team comprises dynamic young talents, eager to make their mark on the regional stage.
Avikash Lal, the reigning champion in the men’s half marathon, stands as one of the few veterans in a squad dominated by youth.
Raboiliku, with optimism echoing in his words, acknowledged that only three athletes — Sakeo Railoa, Braelyn Yee, and Lal—have retained their positions from the 2019 Games.
The rest of the team represents a dynamic mix of young sprinters and jumpers.
Amid the uncertainty following the retirement of former ‘Sprint King’ Banuve Tabakaucoro, the responsibility now rests on the shoulders of four sprint males: Josua Daudravuni, Waisake Tewa, Penaia Ramisirai, and Emosi Laqere.
Their mission is clear—to uphold Fiji’s sprinting legacy and vie for the coveted Sprint King title.
In Lautoka, for the past two days, the team has weathered the scorching sun, polishing their skills and building camaraderie.
Coach Raboiliku expressed his confidence in the new squad, emphasising their eagerness to compete after weather-related cancellations disrupted their previous tournaments.
The big question lingers—can Fiji maintain its prowess on the track?
The 2019 Pacific Games in Apia saw Fiji Athletics secure second place with an impressive haul of 10 gold, 7 silver, and 3 bronze medals.
Now, with a rejuvenated team, the aspiration is to surpass past achievements.
As the athletics team prepares to depart this Saturday, they carry not just gear but the aspirations of a nation.
Fiji’s youth is primed to leave their mark in Honiara, and the Pacific Games will be the arena where these young guns unleash their potential, with the hope of bringing glory back to the island nation.
