Para-athlete Naibili Vatunisolo, from Balenabelo, Nadroga, is gearing up for her third Pacific Mini Games set to take place in Koror, Palau, starting June 29. The accomplished 34-year-old athlete is balancing her rigorous training regimen with her academic studies at Fiji National University, where she is pursuing a Certificate in Front Office Operations. Vatunisolo will compete in the Ambulant Shot Put, Ambulant Discus, and Ambulant Javelin events.
Despite facing moments of self-doubt during her journey, Vatunisolo draws strength from the unwavering support of her family and motivation from her coach, Fred Fatiaki. Her performance record highlights her dedication to the sport and her fighting spirit. To date, she has won multiple regional and international medals, further elevating her status in the para-athletics community.
Vatunisolo has already made significant achievements throughout her career, including carrying the flag for Fiji at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the 2022 Pacific Mini Games in Saipan. Her consistent participation at notable events, including last year’s Paralympics in Paris, showcases her remarkable talent and resilience.
Last year, she made headlines by setting a new Oceania record in shot put with a remarkable throw of 9.19 meters at the Paris Paralympic Games. Her prior personal best was 9.05 meters, and she demonstrated her ability to perform under challenging conditions, even mentioning that rain had made the shot put slippery during the competition.
Vatunisolo aspires to achieve personal bests at the upcoming games and is optimistic that her training and dedication will pay off. The community is enthusiastic about her participation, and fans are hopeful for her continued achievements in para-athletics.
Her journey serves as an inspiration, showcasing not only her athletic prowess but also her ability to balance academic and sports commitments while overcoming personal challenges. With the Pacific Mini Games just around the corner, Vatunisolo’s story is a poignant reminder of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
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