Lautoka Andhra Sangam School may have only two swimmers at the 2026 Fiji National Schools Swimming Championships, but the determination and pride carried by the young duo is as strong as any team competing at the Damodar City Aquatic Centre in Laucala Bay, Suva.
Year Five student Nelli Gibbons and Year Seven swimmer Tamira Mithra will fly the school’s colours when competition begins today, carrying the hopes of their teachers, parents and fellow students.
For Gibbons, the championships present another opportunity to build on an impressive performance from last year where she claimed gold in the 100 metres breaststroke. She also added two silver medals and a bronze to cap off a memorable campaign.
Despite her success, the young swimmer knows defending her achievements will not come easy.
“Repeating my performance this year will be tough because all the other swimmers have also trained really hard,” Gibbons said.
“But I am ready to give my best over the two days of competition.”
Mithra’s journey has been one of resilience and determination.
She competed at last year’s national championships but returned home without a podium finish. Rather than becoming discouraged, the experience motivated her to work harder in training.
The Year Seven student believes a medal this year would be a fitting reward for the sacrifices and effort invested in preparation.
