A New Zealand-based sprinter with strong ties to Fiji is chasing more than just a qualifying time as he is running with purpose during the 2026 Easter Athletics Games.
Jeremiah Rogo shared that despite the short turnaround after arriving in the country before the games and wet weather, he remained focused on his mission.
“It was a bit wet, but I still got to push through,” he said.
Rogo feels his strong connection to Fiji is driving his ambition to represent the country on a bigger stage.
He believes there is untapped potential in Fiji’s athletics scene and hopes to be part of its growth.
“There are not many people in Fiji doing athletics,” he shared.
“I want to help bring everyone up. That is what we do in New Zealand, we can do it here as well.”
For Rogo, qualifying for the Oceania Games would not only mark the end of a long season but also the beginning of a bigger journey where he hopes to inspire, uplift, and contribute to the development of athletics in Fiji.
His proud father, Hendry Rogo, who was also a national rep, shared his sentiments as he watched his son return to the track, marking not just a race, but the revival of a family name in Fiji athletics.
“It was a moment that carried years of sacrifice, distance and quiet perseverance. It had been a long time since the name ‘Rogo’ echoed on the athletics tracks, and seeing it re-emerge brought overwhelming pride and emotion to me,” Hendry recalled.
Based in Auckland, their journey had not been easy as the family faced challenges that tested their resolve, but their connection to Fiji never faded.
“Now back home, there is a renewed purpose which is to give back to the sport and contribute to its growth,” he said.
Hendry acknowledged the support from the Fiji community and athletics fraternity, expressing heartfelt thanks for the warm welcome and continued encouragement.
They see their return not just as a personal journey, but as part of a bigger mission — to help raise the standard of the 400 metres in Fiji and inspire younger athletes to strive for excellence.
For the Rogo family, the race is about more than winning. It is about legacy, resilience, and the powerful connection between home, identity, and sport.
Jeremiah Rogo of Auckland, New Zealand, comes in first in the open mens 400m heats, during the National Easter Athletics Championship at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva yesterday. Picture: ELIKI NUKUTABU
