In the early hours of a Vunavutu morning, Visila Kolitapa found herself in prayer, filled with hope and anticipation for her daughter Merewalesi, who was set to fly to Thailand the following day to compete in the Youth Olympic qualifying rounds. As Visila reflected on her daughter’s journey, she recalled the last eleven years spent watching Merewalesi embrace the challenges of boxing.
The 17-year-old student of Sigatoka Methodist College is not just any boxer; she represents Fiji in the 60kg division, a role that carries immense weight as she heads to Thailand, embodying the aspirations of her country. Merewalesi’s passion for boxing was cultivated within a family steeped in the sport. Her father, Temo Kolitapa, was a representative of Fiji in amateur boxing, while her mother, Visila, has both competed nationally and serves on the Boxing Commission of Fiji board. Additionally, her brothers have pursued similar ambitions in the boxing world.
Merewalesi’s journey into boxing was born from a desire to stand up to her brothers, who often teased her. At the tender age of nine, she decided to take on the sport, aiming to transform the taunts into her strength. What began as a form of retaliation blossomed into a deep passion that took her far beyond her initial expectations.
For the past eight years, she has trained diligently at the Butterfly Boxing Club under her father’s guidance. Her routine follows an intense schedule, starting at 4 am with morning prayers, followed by roadwork and technical drills. After a full day of school, she returns for additional training sessions, managing her weight with discipline that sometimes means sacrificing dinner for hydration alone. This cycle continues throughout the week, illustrating her dedication to the sport.
Merewalesi faced significant challenges throughout her career, often competing against opponents who were older and heavier. Despite these obstacles, she maintained a winning streak, demonstrating her tenacity and spirit. Recent years have finally introduced her to competitors within her weight category, allowing her true potential to shine through in balanced contests.
Visila watches her daughter’s journey with immense pride, recognizing the sacrifices and perseverance it has taken to reach this point. She emphasizes the importance of humility, reminding Merewalesi that regardless of success, remaining grounded is key to true accomplishment.
As Merewalesi prepares to bring her message to Thailand, she hopes to inspire other girls who may feel deterred by boxing’s reputation as a men’s sport. With conviction, she asserts, “All the girls and women out there — you can be deadly too, in the ring and outside.”
Merewalesi Kolitapa not only champions Fijian hopes in the sporting arena but also embodies a powerful narrative for young women everywhere, showing that determination and strength know no gender boundaries.
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