Makayla Sukhu, a promising full forward for the Fiji Junior Vonu Under-17 Australian Football League (AFL) team, is inspired by her mother’s legacy in the sport. Her mother, Vilisi Sukhu, was a member of the inaugural women’s Fiji Vonu team in 2014, which has significantly influenced Makayla’s decision to pursue AFL.
Makayla shared, “AFL is a different sport, and my mum was the main reason why I took up this sport because she represented Fiji.” Her passion for AFL started at a young age, and she recognizes the importance of teamwork and endurance in the game. As a multi-faceted sport, she believes that AFL offers various challenges, which makes successfully mastering it even more rewarding.
In addition to her aspirations in football, Makayla recently achieved the Women’s Candidate Master (WCM) title at the 45th World Chess Olympiad held in Budapest from September 10-23. She performed notably well, securing 3.5 points out of 7 and representing Fiji as the youngest competitor among participants from 193 countries.
Furthermore, she balances her sports commitments with her academics, playing netball for Suva Grammar School and the Lomaiviti club. “Sport is good as it gives you peace of mind and relieves your stress from schoolwork,” she mentioned, emphasizing the positive impact of athletics on her life.
Makayla is thankful for the support of her parents, acknowledging their encouragement as a significant factor in her achievements. She remains optimistic about the future of AFL in Fiji and aims to inspire both her teammates and her sister to engage with the sport.
This story reflects the potential for personal growth and positive influence in sports, suggesting that with support, dedication, and passion, young athletes like Makayla can accomplish significant milestones while paving the way for future generations to explore diverse sports.
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