Olympian Waisake Tewa is gearing up for the 2025 Pacific Mini Games set to take place in Koror, Palau, from June 29 to July 9. The 22-year-old athlete has been selected as part of the final 32-member team representing Athletics Fiji.
Tewa has demonstrated his competitive spirit at various significant events, including the 2023 Pacific Games, the 2024 Oceania Championship, and his participation in the Olympic Games in Paris. After a brief diversion into rugby, he has refocused on athletics with a clear goal of not just participating but excelling at the Mini Games.
“My target is to improve my time and get a medal in my individual event. Fiji has a strong history in the 4x400m and 4x100m relays, but my aim is to bring that success to my individual performance,” Tewa expressed. His training has been progressing well, although he notes that his principal competition in Fiji comes from high school athletes.
Tewa also reflected on his experience transitioning back to athletics, indicating, “Right now, I don’t have any competitors in Fiji other than the sprinters from the Fiji Finals. If we had faster competitors, we would need to look to Australia and New Zealand.”
Despite stepping back into athletics, Tewa’s passion for rugby remains, having been part of the Dominion Brothers rugby team. His coach, Bola Tafou, persuaded him to prioritize his training for the Mini Games rather than risk injury in rugby competitions. Tewa plans to return to rugby after the Mini Games, showcasing his versatility across both sports.
Overall, Tewa’s journey illustrates determination and ambition, suggesting that with the right focus and support, Fiji’s athletics scene will continue to flourish. As Tewa prepares for this pivotal moment in his sporting career, he embodies the hopeful spirit and resilience of athletes striving for excellence on the international stage.
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