Athletics Fiji is gearing up for the upcoming Commonwealth Games cycle by utilizing the recent Oceania Cup in Tonga as a vital performance gauge for its athletes. This event, organized by the Oceania Athletics Association, featured teams from various regions, offering a competitive platform for athletes from Tonga, Australia, New Zealand, Regional Australia, Hawaii, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. The Oceania Cup took place from October 29 to November 1 at Teufaiva Sports Stadium in Nuku’alofa.
For this event, Oceania Athletics identified and welcomed five athletes from Fiji into Team Melanesia, based on their commendable performances during the 2025 Pacific Mini Games held in Palau earlier in the year. The Fijian contingent included Errol Qaqa competing in the 110m hurdles, Sereana Viriviri in long and high jump, Maryann Macedru in shot put, Samuela Vunivalu in long and triple jump, and Loata Lewageena in discus and javelin. They were joined by Para-athletes Naibili Vatunisolo and Jimi Onitoro, who also participated alongside athletes from Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and Norfolk Island. Fiji’s Vaciseva Tavaga managed Team Melanesia, emphasizing collaboration and team spirit.
The competition results in Tonga provided essential insights into the athletes’ readiness. Vunivalu celebrated success by winning gold in the long jump with a distance of 7.05m and securing bronze in the triple jump at 13.21m. Macedru brought home silver in the women’s shot put, throwing 14.56m. Qaqa maintained his momentum with a victory in the 110m hurdles, recording a time of 14.86 seconds. Lewageena earned silver medals in both javelin and discus, while Viriviri finished fourth in her events, but saw participation as vital preparation for future competitions.
The performance of the Para-athletes further illustrated a strong representation, with both Onitoro and Vatunisolo claiming victories in their respective categories. These results provided measurable data to inform selections for future events leading up to the Commonwealth Games, affirming Athletics Fiji’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering athlete development.
The overall performance of Fiji’s athletes at the Oceania Cup contributed to Team Melanesia’s commendable point total of 183, placing them behind Australia (231 points) but ahead of Polynesia. This outcomes-based assessment, paired with Olympic-style competitions, signifies the viable path toward refining the athletes’ skills.
As Fiji’s athletic community reflects on these achievements, there is optimism for what lies ahead. The successful outing at the Oceania Cup bolsters national pride and serves as a stepping stone for upcoming competitions. With the support of the Oceania Athletics Association and the resilience of these athletes, Fiji is poised to enhance its standing in the athletic world as they prepare for the next chapter in their competitive journey.
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