Jean Luc Kalowia charged to victory yesterday at the HFC Bank Stadium, claiming the senior boys 200m title at the Coca‑Cola Games Suva Zone One athletics meet and picking up his second gold of the competition. The Church College of Fiji sprinter added the 200m crown to the “blue ribbon” title he won on Thursday, cementing himself as one of the standouts of the zone meet.
Kalowia broke from the blocks and maintained a decisive pace down the straight to cross the line ahead of rivals, including a strong challenge from an athlete from Ratu Sukuna Memorial School who occupied a centre lane. His performance drew appreciative applause from the stands and coaches on the infield as he celebrated another solo triumph for Church College of Fiji.
“I feel so happy and blessed that I had the chance to win this blue ribbon title and also the 200m title,” Kalowia told Times Sport after the race. With one event left on his program — the senior boys 4x100m relay — he said he was ready to give everything again to help his school chase further silverware.
The 17‑year‑old sprinter’s rise has been rapid. Kalowia is originally from Paunagisu on Efate Island in Vanuatu and has lived in Fiji for three years. He has been competing in athletics with Church College of Fiji for two years, since the school was renamed from LDS College. Despite his short time in the sport, his double success at the Suva Zone One meet reflects steady progress under his coaching team.
Kalowia credited that coaching and his support network for his results. He recalled his coach’s constant refrain that goals require hard work, a message that kept him focused through a demanding build‑up to the Games. He also expressed appreciation for encouragement from schoolmates, family and friends — including relatives and supporters back home in Vanuatu.
His coach’s influence and Kalowia’s self‑belief were recurring themes after the win. He said he drew confidence from telling himself he could achieve his targets and from the encouragement he received in training and competition. That mental edge, paired with the physical preparation, helped him prevail in a crowded senior boys field.
Kalowia’s two golds at the Suva Zone One meet mark a significant personal milestone and underline the depth of Pacific talent appearing in Fijian school athletics. With the 4x100m relay to come, Kalowia now has the opportunity to add a third medal for Church College of Fiji and to further raise his profile ahead of wider Coca‑Cola Games competition.
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