Makayla Sukhu, a promising young talent from the Fiji Junior Vonu Under-17 team, aims to carve a path in Australian Football League (AFL), inspired by her mother, Vilisi Sukhu, a pioneer in the sport for women in Fiji. Vilisi was part of Fiji’s inaugural women’s AFL team in 2014, and her influence guided Makayla to take up the sport herself.
In her own words, Makayla describes AFL as a unique sport that has taught her the importance of teamwork and endurance. She expressed her aspirations to promote the sport further, especially encouraging her sister to join in. Makayla highlighted the multi-skilled nature of AFL, acknowledging its initial challenges but optimistic about building resilience through the sport.
Her mother’s motivational advice plays a crucial role in her journey; she encourages Makayla to remain focused on her goals while supporting her teammates.
In addition to her AFL pursuits, Sukhu has showcased her versatility as an athlete by recently winning the Women’s Candidate Master (WCM) title at the 45th World Chess Olympiad held in Budapest, where she represented Fiji as the youngest team member, achieving 3.5 points out of 7 while competing against participants from 193 countries. Makayla also plays netball for both Suva Grammar School and the Lomaiviti club.
Balancing academics and sports can be challenging, but Sukhu finds solace in athletics, using it as an outlet for stress relief alongside her schoolwork. She credits her successes in AFL to a higher power and expresses gratitude for the unwavering support of her parents throughout her journey.
Overall, Sukhu’s enthusiasm and commitment to AFL, along with her academic and athletic achievements, reflect a bright future. As she continues to pursue her passions, she not only sets an example for her peers but also contributes to the growth of sports in Fiji. With determination and support, the future of AFL in the country looks promising.
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