Fiji’s rising taekwondo star, Lolohea Fouana Navuga Naitasi, has triumphed once again by earning a gold medal at the Park Chung-hee Cup International Taekwondo Championship held in Korea. This victory marks another highlight in her burgeoning career and showcases her talent on the international stage.
Her coach, Sanghyun Ra, who has been instrumental in developing taekwondo in Fiji over the past 15 years, expressed pride in Lolohea’s achievement while also sharing some disappointment. He noted that she faced challenges due to the Fiji Taekwondo Association, which prevented her from competing in larger international events. Despite these setbacks, Ra emphasized Lolohea’s hard work and dedication, acknowledging that although she competed in a smaller tournament, the level of skill she encountered from other competitors was notably high.
Lolohea, currently participating in a three-month training program in Korea, is dedicated to improving her skills. She has been a scholarship student in the taekwondo class at Suva Grammar School, and her coach has high hopes for her progress during her time abroad. Ra stated, “She is a smart and diligent athlete. Although she is still young, she will grow a lot in Korea and come back.”
Lolohea’s success adds to her impressive track record, which includes winning a silver medal at the Daegu World University Taekwondo Festival earlier. Her journey from being introduced to taekwondo through a physical education class to winning medals internationally is inspiring for many young athletes in Fiji, who can look to her as a role model.
Interestingly, Lolohea is not just focused on personal glory; she is also eager to contribute to the development of taekwondo back home. Ra remarked that his efforts with young athletes extend beyond merely achieving medals, aiming instead for long-term goals that uplift the entire sport in Fiji.
As Fiji continues to gain recognition on the global taekwondo stage, Lolohea represents hope and potential for future athletes in her country. The support from her coach and her determination to excel promise a bright future not only for herself but for taekwondo in Fiji as a whole.
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