A $100 family bet, some sisterly banter and pure determination led twin sisters Regina and Josephine Waqatabu to dominate the sub junior girls high jump at the 2025 Coca-Cola Games.
Representing Christian Mission Fellowship College, the 13-year-old twins finished first and second, with Regina winning gold after clearing 1.47 metres and Josephine taking silver with a jump of 1.44m.
“Our mum made a deal with us, whoever won gold would get $100,” Regina shared, grinning.
“I hope she remembers, because it’s a deal!”
Despite competing at the Fiji Finals for the first time, Regina admitted she didn’t expect to top the podium.
“I was scared. I thought I’d only win silver because I knew how prepared the other girls were,” she said.
“But I thank the Lord I managed 1.47 metres. My target was 1.50, so I’m happy I got close.”
Josephine, proud of her silver medal said her goal was to make her family proud.
“I want to dedicate my jump to coach Freddy Inoke and to our late brother, Iosefo, who passed away last year.
And to all my family here cheering for us, thank you.”
She added that competing alongside her sister was both funny and emotional.
“She always told me she’d win gold and I’d get silver and that’s exactly what happened,” Josephine laughed.
“But I’m proud of her. She’s always there for me when I miss my first attempt, telling me to keep trying.”
As the high jump competition came down to just the two of them, the teasing continued, but so did the encouragement.
The Waqatabu twins brought double celebration to CMF High, showing that love, laughter and a little friendly rivalry can create magic on the track.
