Former Balata High School student Rusiate Matai has achieved a remarkable feat by breaking the national record in the men’s high jump. Competing at the Bearcat Invite in Missouri, United States, Matai cleared a height of 2.10 meters, surpassing the previous national record of 2.09 meters set by Antonio Rahiman. Malakai Kaiwalu had matched this record back in 2016.
Matai’s impressive performance marks another highlight in his athletic career, as he previously secured a gold medal at the Pacific Games 2023 in Honiara, Solomon Islands, where he jumped 2.03 meters. Additionally, he also triumphed at the 2024 Coca-Cola Games held in Suva. His dedication and talent have earned him scholarships from the Oceania Australia Foundation (OAF) and the Oceania National Olympic Committee (ONOC), allowing him to study and train at Neosho County Community College in Kansas.
In a notable achievement at the same competition, Waisele Inoke also established a new national mark by breaking Fiji’s Indoor Men’s Heptathlon record. These accomplishments not only highlight the athleticism emerging from Fiji but also inspire a sense of pride in the country’s sporting future.
As these young athletes continue to set records and demonstrate their potential on international platforms, it brings hope for further success in the world of athletics for Fiji.
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