Iowane Laselevu is set on winning a medal at the Fiji Finals, scheduled to take place from April 24 to 26. The promising athlete from Lomary Secondary School recently clinched victory in the senior boys’ 800 meters at the Suva Zone Two competition. Hailing from Galoa in Serua and with familial ties to Namosi, Laselevu expressed his pride in outperforming strong contenders from both Suva Grammar School and Marist Brothers High School.
“I did not want to regard anybody else; I only prayed to God to help me through this event,” Laselevu stated. Despite having primarily focused on rugby league, he shifted his attention to athletics after his rugby team faced a defeat the week prior. Encouraged to compete just two days before the event, Laselevu’s last experience in athletics was limited to the 400 meters in the previous year’s zone meet, where he did not advance to the finals.
Laselevu’s journey is reminiscent of other emerging talents in Fiji, including Jared Ma’afu Levai, who recently celebrated his success in the 100 meters at an inter-house competition. Both athletes are part of a growing movement in the country that not only emphasizes competition but also fosters camaraderie and mutual support amongst young competitors. Levai highlighted the significance of family and community in his training, a sentiment also reflected in Laselevu’s rapid transition to athletics.
This collective drive to excel mirrors a broader trend in Fijian athletics, as evidenced by the recent Suva Zone athletics competition, where many athletes, like Salanieta Vakaloloma from Nabua Secondary School, displayed outstanding performances while aiming to qualify for the eagerly awaited Fiji Finals. The supportive atmosphere at these events continues to motivate young athletes throughout the nation, igniting their aspirations for future accomplishments.
With Laselevu’s determination and dedication, there is potential for a positive outcome at the upcoming finals. The nurturing of sportsmanship and community support among these young athletes heralds a promising and inspiring future for athletics in Fiji.
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