Merewalesi Kolitapa is making headlines in the sports arena, as she recently garnered dual nominations for the Young Female of the Year category at the 2024 Fiji Sports Awards. Her nominations highlight her exceptional abilities in both the Australian Football League (AFL) and amateur boxing under the Fiji Amateur Boxing Association, showcasing her versatility as an athlete.
Kolitapa shared her feelings about the nominations, expressing a mix of joy and nervousness during the awards ceremony. “I was a bit nervous when I was standing up there and receiving these two awards at one time,” she remarked. Her gratitude for her support network is evident, emphasizing how her family plays a pivotal role in her athletic journey. “The squad at home, they’re my number one squad, so I’m really blessed to have such a blessing and family life that supports me in the sport,” she added.
Her achievements extend beyond personal recognition; they also reflect the increasing empowerment of women in sports traditionally dominated by men, such as amateur boxing. Kolitapa passionately believes that participation in these sports is a powerful tool for women to break gender barriers. “It doesn’t differentiate if we are women and playing a man’s sport,” she asserted. “It will make us stronger.”
In addition to her recent accolades, Kolitapa has the chance to represent Fiji at the Australian Club Championships in Adelaide in May, further demonstrating her skill and commitment to her sports.
Kolitapa’s experiences resonate with other young female athletes from Fiji, such as Miriama Taletawa, who was awarded the 2023 Sportswoman of the Year. Like Kolitapa, Taletawa has faced her own set of challenges and triumphs in a demanding sport. This pattern of resilience among Fiji’s young athletes is inspiring and reflects a growing community of female empowerment in sports.
As Kolitapa pursues her journey, she serves as a beacon of inspiration for future generations, motivating them to chase their aspirations in sports and beyond. Her story exemplifies that with unwavering support and determination, achieving greatness is certainly within reach.
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