Matelita Buadromo’s journey in the world of sports is a testament to her talent, determination, and sense of purpose. Rising to international prominence at the tender age of 11, Buadromo has emerged as one of Fiji’s most accomplished swimmers, particularly in the 100m and 200m breaststroke. Her success spans numerous Pacific Games, where she has won an impressive collection of 18 medals, including two golds, 10 silvers, and seven bronzes, showcasing her versatility across multiple events.
Buadromo stepped onto the Olympic stage as a teenager, first competing in the 200m breaststroke at the 2012 London Olympics, and later participating in the 200m freestyle at the Rio 2016 Games. However, her journey extends beyond athletic achievements. In 2022, Buadromo discovered a challenging new chapter while attending a workshop that highlighted the dangers of competition manipulation, including how seemingly innocent information, like sharing details about injuries, could be misused for betting and match-fixing purposes.
This realization instilled in Buadromo a drive to educate other athletes about the value of safeguarding information to protect the integrity of their competitions. Her advocacy efforts culminated in her appointment as one of ten global ambassadors for the International Olympic Committee’s “Believe in Sport” campaign in 2025. This initiative aims to prevent competition manipulation through education, awareness, and support from the Olympic Movement Unit on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions (OM Unit PMC).
As an ambassador, Buadromo represents Oceania, joining forces with other advocates like Australia’s Jane Claxton, to engage athletes in meaningful dialogues about protecting the fairness and unpredictability that define sports. She emphasizes the particularly harsh consequences faced by athletes from financially strained regions, where the temptation to engage in dishonest practices can be compelling without proper education.
Her role will see her interacting with athletes at major sporting events, including the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti, and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Buadromo’s mission aligns with the IOC’s broader strategy of regulation, legislation, capacity building, and intelligence to uphold sporting integrity.
Finally, Buadromo’s involvement in this campaign demonstrates her commitment to extending her influence beyond her competitive career. She encourages current athletes to explore opportunities after sports, seek mentorship, and embrace education, with her personal mantra being to create the support and resources she wished were available to her. Her story is an inspiring narrative of resilience and integrity, showcasing the profound impact athletes can have both within and beyond their sporting domains.
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