Fiji’s athletics team is gearing up for the Pacific Mini Games scheduled for June in Palau, with the first trials recently held to assess the athletes’ readiness and seek qualifying standards. The event, hosted last Saturday, saw strong participation and commendable performances, particularly in women’s throwing events and high jumps, according to national coach Albert Miller.

Miller expressed his satisfaction with the initial results, emphasizing that the trials serve as a crucial opportunity for athletes to benchmark their progress early in the season. “The idea behind the trials is to encourage athletes to participate and try to meet the qualifying standards,” Miller stated. He noted that while many athletes showed promise, there is still a need for improvement in areas such as open women’s sprints and other track events.

“The key is to show up and demonstrate interest in being part of the team,” added Miller, underlining the importance of commitment among athletes. The trials not only focused on senior athletes but also provided junior competitors a platform to showcase their talent. Miller stressed the importance of nurturing junior athletes to help them envision a clear pathway to national representation.

In a parallel development, the Fiji weightlifting team has also kickstarted its preparations for the Pacific Mini Games, highlighting the collective drive within Fiji’s sports community for upcoming international competitions. Their trials at Rabuka Gym showcased promising performances, with positive feedback from national coach Henry Elder.

As both athletics and weightlifting teams prepare, there is a palpable sense of optimism about Fiji’s representation at the Pacific Mini Games. Coaches like Miller and Elder are dedicated to building strong, competitive teams that can showcase their skills on the international stage.

This commitment, alongside the involvement of young athletes and technical officials, suggests that Fiji is on the right track for success at the Mini Games. With continued dedication and support, there is hope for Fijian athletes to achieve personal bests and bolster the nation’s athletic reputation.