When Francis Bakaniceva blitzed the track at the HFC Bank Stadium and won gold in the junior boys 100m yesterday, nobody had an inkling that three weeks ago a taxi had run over his foot.
The International Secondary School Suva student said he was determined to cross the line first and bring glory to his school at the Suva Zone I athletics meet.
“Three weeks ago, I injured my foot in an accident when a taxi rolled over it,” Bakaniceva said.
“I did everything possible and recovered in one week.
“It didn’t stop me from training, competing and winning a gold medal for my school.
“When I won in the heats, I knew I would take gold in the 100m.
“I won’t stop here, I’m going to keep training hard for the Coca-Cola Games and will give it my best shot, the sky’s the limit.”
ISS Suva coach John Uluiviti said they fielded 43 athletes this year.
“We have some good athletes, a good mix of field and tracks,” Uluiviti said.
“We did not have the opportunity to train in the HFC Bank Stadium because other schools and games were always held when we wanted to go there.
“But that will not stop us, we will work hard and go for gold at the Coca Cola Games.”
The 2023 Coca-Cola Games will be held from April 27-29 at the HFC Bank Stadium, Suva.
