Lora Francesca of Rampur College won the first gold medal at the Coca-Cola Suva Zone 2 competition yesterday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Laucala Bay.
Francesca who ran with only a pair of black socks, clocked a time of 15 minutes 0.01 seconds in the girls 3000m open grade to win gold.
Originally from the Solomon Islands and sharing maternal links to Lau, the 14-year-old also ran with an injured foot, wearing a plaster and socks to ease the pain in the seven round race.
“It didn’t hurt at all when I was running. I don’t have any track shoes to wear for this Zone because my mother will get paid right on Friday,” Francesca shared.
Residing in Waidradra Settlement, Navua, the Year 9 student did not even know she had won gold.
“I didn’t know that I’ve won the gold medal. Coming into this race, I honestly thought that I would come in at last place because major schools like Suva Grammar was dominating during the 200m race.
“I thank God for this win and I dedicate it to my mother who is at the stands,” she added.
Francesca will compete in the 800m race today. Emosi Uluilakeba of Suva Grammar School took out the gold medal in the open boys 3000m final.
After Day 1, Rampur College leads the girls medal tally with one gold while Ratu Latianara College is second with a silver and bronze.
In the boys division, Suva Grammar School leads with a gold, Marist Brothers High School is second with a silver medal and Ratu Latianara College is third with a bronze medal.
