Brieanna Rabakewa of Swami Vivekananda College claimed the Gold medal in the Senior Girls Discus Throw (1kg) event with an impressive 41-metre throw at the Coca-Cola Games.
The 18-year-old athlete outperformed her competition on Day Two of the Fiji Finals (Coca-cola Games), held at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Finishing in second place was 18-year-old Shanaina Deo of Suva Grammar School, who secured the Silver medal. Bronze went to Lily Drekeni, 19, of Ratu Sukuna Memorial School.
Speaking after her win, Babakewa expressed her gratitude and acknowledged the challenges she faced leading up to the competition.
“I’m here and I’m grateful,” she said.
“This is just to let everybody know that it’s okay that you’re going through mental health. Treat yourself mentally, and that’s okay. You just got to pray about it and be grateful for everything.”
She dedicated her win to her family, school administration, sponsors, and junior athletes currently participating in football at the Games.
A regular competitor at the Coca-Cola Games since Year 9, Babakewa said she discovered her strength in discus early on and has remained committed to the sport.
Now in Year 12, she expressed her intention to return for one final appearance next year.
