WINNING gold in the senior boys’ long jump, Penisoni Tirau of Xavier College dedicated his win to his fellow schoolmate and athlete, Pita Kuriciva who had turned 18 on that particular day (March 3).
Tirau who for the first time took up long jump dedicated his win to his friend who was also competing in the event.
Kuriciva who was a gold medalist for the school in the intermediate boys’ long jump last year unfortunately didn’t make top three in the competition this year because of an ankle injury – so Tirau was happy to win the gold for the both of them.
“Having to compete beside Pita at school has helped me a lot – we have been pushing each other a lot in the competition,” Tirau said.
“Unfortunately, he got injured in school and suffered a ankle injury and couldn’t perform as he did last year so I dedicate this win to him as he celebrates his 18th birthday today.”
Tirau who hails from Nasukamai Village in Ra with maternal links to Vadradra Village in Ba managed to jump a distance of 6.89m to claim the gold medal.
Gabirieli Kavekai of Holy Cross College won silver with a jump of 6.62m while David Singh of Marist Brothers High School won bronze with a jump of 6.60m.
Tirau who was a gold medalist in the triple jump last year didn’t expect to win gold in the long jump event.
“I thank Almighty God for helping me win gold,” he said.
“Last year when I went for the South Pacific Games my coach Albert Miller told me to try out long jump. It was there that I realised that I had the capability to do well in long jump.
“For me it’s a proud moment, especially looking at the sacrifices that I have had to make.”
Being the school head boy and a Ba Football striker, Tirau has had to juggle his studies and extra-curricular activities.
He said sometimes his athletics training and football match schedules would overlap.
“Just recently I’ve had to go to Labasa to play for Ba and then returned to participate in the Coca-Cola Games,” he said.
After the Fiji Finals, Tirau was to go back to his football camp and prepare for their match against Rewa.
The tech-science student who won silver last year in the Pacific Games said he is grateful for his family support.
He said winning silver at the Pacific Games has helped him a lot with his jumps.
“Having my family come and support me is the boost I need,” he said.
“Seeing my dad, mum and six siblings motivates me to do better.”
On the final day, Tirau won a silver in the triple jump event with a jump of 13.86m.
