Fiji’s Iris Bentley Fisher earns bronze on the world stage at the IVF World Distance Championships in Brazil
Fiji celebrated a podium finish as Iris Bentley Fisher, 16, claimed bronze in the 12-kilometer V1 Junior 16 race at the 2025 International Va’a Federation World Distance Championships in Niteroi, Brazil. The debutant paddle athlete showcased poise and power beyond her years in a challenging open-water event, marking a standout moment for Fiji and its developing va’a community.
Fisher’s bronze came as part of a strong team effort from Team Fiji, which fielded seven paddlers across multiple categories at the event. The Fiji delegation, a group of 11 athletes supported by the Fiji National Sports Commission and Yadra Fiji, joined about 800 paddlers from 26 countries in the international field. The performance underscores Fiji’s growing strength in outrigger canoeing on the world stage and builds on the country’s recent momentum in va’a, including a successful run at the 2025 Palau Mini Games where Fiji va’a athletes medaled across the board.
“This was a proud moment for Fiji,” said Loretta St Julian-Ooms, Fiji Outrigger President and Area Coordinator for Team Fiji at the event. “Iris showed incredible poise and strength – her bronze medal is a testament to the talent and heart we’re nurturing in our paddling community.” The comment reflects a broader belief in Fiji’s emerging generation of paddlers and the ongoing investment in grassroots and elite development alike.
The Fiji team’s presence in Brazil comes amid a year of notable international activity. Earlier in 2025, Fiji’s va’a athletes were highlighted for their performances in Palau, with the federation’s leadership emphasizing continued preparation for future global events. The international circuit ahead also includes plans for further competition in Brazil and the Pacific region, where Fiji is aiming to translate podium potential into ongoing success.
In addition to Fisher’s podium, Team Fiji’s collective effort at major events signals a rising tide for Fiji va’a on the global stage. The supporting structures—national sports bodies, community organizations, and local clubs—continue to nurture young talent, foster camaraderie among teammates, and build resilience for the demanding nature of world-class competition.
What this means for Fiji is clear: a bright, hopeful trajectory for va’a, driven by a blend of young talent, experienced leadership, and national pride. Fisher’s bronze is more than a single medal; it’s a signal of Fiji’s growing capacity to compete and excel in international waters, inspiring the next generation of paddlers to push for higher peaks.
Summary: Iris Bentley Fisher’s bronze at the IVF World Distance Championships represents a milestone for Fiji’s va’a program, reinforcing a positive momentum built through Palau successes and signaling strong prospects for future international events.
Additional notes:
– The event drew about 800 paddlers from 26 countries, highlighting the depth of competition on the world stage.
– Fiji’s delegation of 11 athletes was supported by the Fiji National Sports Commission and Yadra Fiji, showcasing strong institutional backing for va’a.
– Similar articles through 2025 underscore Fiji’s ongoing commitment to developing young paddlers and ongoing participation in the Pacific Mini Games and other international competitions, suggesting a sustainable path toward greater medals and visibility in va’a.
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