Martha Samuela, an 18-year-old from Rotuma, is preparing to represent Fiji in the sport of Vaa at the upcoming 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau, marking an unexpected journey that began just over a year ago. Initially joining the sport for fun, Samuela was introduced to paddling by her friend Latina. Since then, she has taken her training seriously, now shaping her skills as one of 22 paddlers selected for the national team.
As a student at St Joseph’s Secondary School, Samuela is currently focusing on enhancing her performance for her first international competition. The team is diligently working on their coordination and power while learning to read and navigate the waves more effectively. “It’s all about applying your strength in the right way,” she notes. Despite feeling nervous about the upcoming games, she expresses deep gratitude towards her family, friends, and coaches for their unwavering support throughout her journey.
Samuela’s aspirations also include achieving a personal goal: reducing her V1 time to under three minutes. Her encouraging message to other young people is to embrace new experiences, stating, “Just go for it. You never know where it can take you.”
The Fiji national Vaa team comprises other dedicated athletes, including Annette Naigulevu, Elenoa Vateitei, and Iris Rae Fisher, who are also gearing up for this significant event. Fisher, just 15 years old, has bonded with her teammates through rigorous training sessions, illustrating the strong sense of camaraderie among Fiji’s young athletes.
Reflecting on this year’s preparation highlights the broader narrative of hope and resilience within Fiji’s sporting community, as various teams from different sports strive to excel on international platforms. With the Pacific Mini Games set to take place from June 29 to July 9, representation across diverse sporting disciplines encourages national pride and showcases the incredible talent emerging from Fiji.
This spirit not only inspires individual athletes but also emphasizes collective community support, fostering aspirations of excellence in sports that can unite and uplift the entire nation.
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