Fiji’s Errol Qaqa has carved a unique path in athletics as the nation’s sole competitor in the men’s 110-metre hurdles. The gold medalist faces the dual challenge of preparing for two significant international events later this year while navigating the struggles of competing largely in isolation. Qaqa is set to compete in the Oceania Games in Darwin this May, followed by the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, in July.
To enhance his performance ahead of these competitions, Qaqa and his coaching team are organizing regional tours in Australia and New Zealand. These tours will provide him with the opportunity to gain vital competitive experience that is often missing in local contests, where he usually runs solo.
The absence of domestic rivals in the hurdles discipline adds a layer of difficulty to Qaqa’s training regimen. Unlike many athletes who thrive on the competitive push from their peers, Qaqa often finds himself running alone, making it challenging to gauge his progress and maintain the intense momentum required for high-level competitions. “For me, every time I compete, I’m always running by myself, so it’s really hard to gauge where I am,” he admits.
Reflecting on his journey, Qaqa recalls having another fellow hurdler during the early stages of his career, but after the senior athlete’s retirement, he assumed the mantel of keeping the event vibrant in Fiji. This solitary pursuit has not only been about individual achievement but also about sustaining the future of hurdling in his country.
Training presents its own set of challenges as Qaqa often practices without another hurdler to motivate or pace him through workouts, though he remains resolute in his ambitions. “It’s been like that for a while. I could say I’m used to it now, but that has never stopped me from pursuing my goals in the 110-metre hurdles,” he affirms.
With a strong determination to succeed, Qaqa’s upcoming participation in the Oceania Games and aspirations for the Commonwealth Games showcase his resilience and dedication to his sport, exemplifying the spirit of an athlete who, despite the odds, strives for excellence on the world stage.
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