Fifteen-year-old Josiah Croker is gearing up to represent Fiji in the upcoming Mini Games, driven by the memory of his parents. A Year 10 student at Marist Brothers High School, Josiah’s passion for triathlon was ignited in 2021, inspired by his older brother Nikotimasi Croker, who has competed at the Commonwealth Games.
Josiah is no stranger to competitive sports; he previously represented Fiji in swimming at a school meet in Brisbane. As he prepares for the Mini Games, he acknowledges the unique pressures that come with representing his nation. “I was excited, but also nervous,” he remarked. “Representing Fiji is a big deal. There’s a lot of training and pressure. The whole nation is watching.”
His training regimen is rigorous, with sessions both in the morning and afternoon, yet he manages to balance his academic responsibilities alongside his athletic commitments. His focus now is to finish in the top 10 and beat his personal best. “Right now, I’m working on building endurance, making sure I can push through the final stretch,” he shared.
A significant source of strength for Josiah comes from his family, particularly his parents, whom he credits for their support and sacrifices. He expressed his dedication to them, stating, “My parents’ faces pop into my mind when I compete. I dedicate everything to them.”
In addition to his journey, Josiah’s advice resonates with other youth: “Find a sport you love. It helps with your mental health, not just fitness. If not triathlon, try something else. Just start.” His story is a part of a broader narrative among young athletes in Fiji, who are striving to balance education and sport as they prepare for the Mini Games, showcasing determination and resilience.
Similar to Josiah, other athletes like the Kwong siblings and Kirikiti Biu are also setting ambitious goals for themselves as they prepare to represent Fiji on international stages, reflecting a community spirit of dedication and excellence in sports. As the young athletes push boundaries, they contribute to a hopeful vision for Fiji’s sporting future.
The enthusiasm and dedication displayed by these young athletes underscore the importance of support from family and community, nurturing a culture of excellence in sports and academics that inspires a new generation to aim high and chase their dreams.
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