A moment of immense pride for 17-year-old Lolohea Navuga Naitasi as she receives a nomination for the Sportswomen of the Year Award at the 2023 Fiji Sports Awards.
Despite only participating in the sport of Tae kwon do for two years, Naitasi has made a significant impact and is being recognized for her achievements.
Hailing from Daku, Nakelo in Tailevu, Naitasi’s journey in Tae kwon do began when the sport was introduced at Suva Grammar School during a Physical Education class in 2022.
Since then, she has dedicated herself to the sport and has now earned a nomination for a prestigious award.
Naitasi describes her experience of competing at the Paris Olympic Games as special, she expresses that being nominated for the Sportswomen of the Year Award is truly a humbling experience.
“I felt very happy and also emotional. I couldn’t believe that I was nominated as a sportswoman of the year and I’d say it’s a blessing,” said Naitasi.
“It’s something that I’d never imagined, and I just want to thank God for his plans and for my achievements I’ve had today.”
Naitasi reflects on her childhood dream of joining the sport of Tae kwon do and expresses gratitude for the realization of that dream.
“I used to watch it when I was young and used to dream of joining the sport, and it just a dream come true.
“My biggest motivation is my family and my colleagues who I train with.
“They drive me through all this process, and they give me the motivation to keep on going and become better.”
Meanwhile, in other athletes vying for the Sportswoman of the Year Award are Kesaia Boletakanakadavu of Athletics, Fiji Paralympian Naibili Vatunisolo, Catherine Fabiano of Hockey, Netball’s Unaisi Rauluni, Elenoa Vatetei from Outrigger, Special Olympian Miliana Nagasau, Talei Holmes from Rugby League, Rugby Union’s Reapi Uluinasa, Alison Yee from squash, Swimming’s Kelera Mudunasoko, and Miriama Taletawa of Weightlifting.
