Fijian swimmer Epeli Rabua shares his experience taking part in the 2022 Commonwealth Games Birmingham, England.
The Natogadravu Village lad in Tailevu, who is currently a bartender at the Opium Bar in Suva, said his passion for swimming began since he was young.
“The water is like my safe space. It doesn’t discriminate, treats everyone the same and it’s up to you to figure out a way to touch the wall first,” he said.
“My experience in this past Commonwealth Games will simply be unforgettable. I was really excited for our swim team. Seeing the level of talent that we took to the games, I was so eager to see how this young squad would do. Being a part of the first swim team to make a Commonwealth Games finals was something special.
“The biggest challenge I faced during my swimming career would have to be trying to stay motivated and trying to keep my passion for the sport alive.
“The pandemic had a massive negative impact and trying to find my way back has been quite a journey but a truly eventful one.
“My motivation in life is trying to be the best version of myself. This extends to swimming. I know that I have a lot left in me and trying to see how far I can push myself is something that I love doing.”
With the Short Course Grand Prix, Rabua said it would be interesting as after the Commonwealth Games, the facilities were closed.
“We weren’t able to swim and we just finished with a long journey back home and trying to readjust to the time zones as well.
“You will have to sacrifice a lot more than you think.
“You will have to give up a lot more than you think, you will find yourself in uncomfortable situations consistently, you will have to fight with yourself every day.”
