A rising multi-sport talent at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School is turning heads beyond the athletics track. Lydia Waqairapoa, a Year 12 student known as the Intermediate Girls sprint queen, is now making her mark on the football field at the Extra Fiji Secondary School Championship, where she is lining up with MGM’s Open Girls football team.
What makes her ascent notable is that she has earned a place in Fiji Kulas’ extended squad for the Fiji U19 women’s trials in three weeks. Waqairapoa started football as a fun activity and had previously focused on rugby. Her coach’s invitation to join the team surprised her, but she has embraced the chance to showcase her talent. “Now I feel happy to be showing my talent and grateful to the school for the opportunity,” she said. This year marks only her second championship, following her debut in Nadi last year. The Ba leg of the journey has been an eye-opening experience full of learning moments.
Originally from Taveuni, Waqairapoa’s natural sprint speed has translated well onto the football pitch, making her someone to watch in both athletics and women’s football. As she races along the track and collides with defenders on the field, she embodies the potential of Fiji’s next generation of dual-sport athletes.
The broader landscape of Fiji sports is seeing promising young women carve out spaces across disciplines. In recent seasons, other Fiji girls have captured attention in multi-sport paths—from AFL and rugby league to chess and netball—highlighting a trend toward versatile athletic development supported by families and schools. For instance, young athletes in AFL have been balancing football with chess and netball, drawing inspiration from established role models and family legacies that underscore the importance of support networks in pursuing sports at a high level.
Key takeaways and future outlook:
– Lydia’s progression to the Fiji U19 trials signals strong momentum for MGM and for Fiji’s women’s football program.
– Her sprinting background offers tactical advantages—speed, acceleration, and agility—that translate well on the football field.
– The ongoing trials in three weeks will be a critical test and an opportunity to showcase how seamlessly track experts can adapt to team sports.
What this means for fans and aspiring athletes:
Lydia’s story adds to a hopeful narrative about young Fijian athletes thriving across sports, backed by school programs and family encouragement. If she continues to develop in football while maintaining her track form, she could become a notable example of a successful dual-sport athlete, inspiring more girls to explore multiple disciplines.
Summary:
Lydia Waqairapoa is emerging as a bright dual-sport talent from MGM, blending sprint speed with football ability as she eyes the Fiji U19 trials and a potential future in both athletics and women’s football.
Additional notes and context:
– Supportive school environments and access to coaching are key drivers of multi-sport success for young athletes like Lydia.
– Fiji’s broader youth sports scene is showcasing several multi-talented competitors who balance training with education, suggesting strong growth potential for women’s sports in the country.
– As trials approach, continued development through integrated conditioning and sport-specific practice could help Lydia maximize her opportunities on both the track and the football field.
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