Fifteen-year-old Iris Rae Fisher will proudly represent Fiji in the upcoming Pacific Mini Games in Koror, Palau, set to take place from June 29 to July 9. She will participate in Va’a (outrigger canoeing), showcasing her skills as part of a committed group of athletes who have been training intensively over the past months. Their rigorous preparation includes various challenging events such as sprints, marathons, and turn races.
Iris’s journey began with over 60 aspiring athletes, but as the selection process narrowed, the team was finalized to 11 women and two non-travelling reserves for each division. Making it onto this team has been a significant achievement for Iris, marking a important milestone in her burgeoning sports career.
Reflecting on the challenging preparation, Iris noted, “Each event requires different techniques, mental focus and cramming that into such a short training period has definitely been a challenge. But we’ve taken it on as a team, and I think we’ve done well.” This collective spirit of teamwork has also allowed her to forge deep friendships with her teammates, reinforcing a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
Amidst the intense training schedule, Iris has adapted her education to an online format, providing her with the necessary flexibility to balance her athletic commitments with academic responsibilities. She remarked, “Online has worked pretty well for me. It gives me flexibility to train and stay on top of my studies,” a path that many of her teammates have also chosen to follow.
The upcoming Pacific Mini Games not only presents Iris with an exciting competitive opportunity but also symbolizes hope for young athletes in Fiji. Their involvement in sports demonstrates the values of dedication, resilience, and community, as they work tirelessly to represent their nation on an international level.
In a similar vein, other young athletes from Fiji are also gearing up for these Games, showcasing their perseverance and commitment across various sports. Whether in track, swimming, or triathlon, the narratives of these athletes reflect a glowing optimism for Fiji’s sporting future.
Overall, the preparations highlight a community committed to fostering young talent, offering a hopeful and inspiring outlook as they prepare to compete not just for medals but for the pride and recognition of their nation.
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