Former blue ribbon record holder Waisale Inoke’s journey to athletic and academic success took an unexpected turn when he transitioned from sprinting to the decathlon.
Awarded a scholarship in 2023 to study and train at Neosho College in Kansas, USA, Waisale initially concentrated on the 100m dash. However, he soon realized that the multifaceted challenges of the decathlon were better suited to his skills and ambitions.
“In college, I found out that qualifying for nationals, especially in my chosen events like the 100m, was hard, so I made the decision with my coach to try the decathlon,” he said.
The decathlon is a rigorous combination of ten track and field events, requiring a diverse set of skills from sprinting and jumping to throwing.
“It is a challenge considering that the decathlon combines four runs, three jumps, and three throws,” added Inoke.
Despite the physical and mental demands, particularly adapting to longer races like the 400 meters and 1500 meters, Inoke views these challenges as character-building opportunities.
“Challenges are good as they build character and allow you to mentally prepare yourself for any task,” said the former Fiji Secondary School long jump record holder.
Inspired by his sister, a Fijian bronze medalist in the Heptathlon at the 2018 Melanesian Games, Waisale’s ultimate goal is to represent Fiji at the Olympic Games.
“The Olympic Games is the ultimate goal for any athlete who takes up sports seriously. To reach the Olympic Games and be a member of Team Fiji would be a goal to pursue, and I hope that I will be able to continue to be a part of that reality in the future.”