In April 2000, Milika Tuivanuavou was poised to make history as a representative of Queensland at the Pacific School Games held in Sydney. Originally from Nairai in the Lomaiviti Group, Milika had returned with her family to Fiji after spending two years in Brisbane, where she developed a strong desire to represent Australia in athletics, setting aside her Fijian roots.
At just nine years old, Milika was the daughter of former rugby player and referee Jope Tuivanuavou. During her time at Indooroopilly State Primary School in Brisbane, she excelled in athletics and was recognized as the champion of her age group, clinching a special award for being the only student to qualify for the prestigious games.
Milika showcased her talent by finishing second in the 100m final with a time of 14.19 seconds and contributed to her 4x100m relay team that secured a gold medal. She even surprised her competitors by placing second in shot put, demonstrating her diverse athletic abilities which earned her the opportunity to represent Queensland.
With the support of her father, who arranged for a personal coach from Queensland University, Milika underwent intensive training for two years. However, upon returning to Fiji, she felt as though she had stepped back in time, missing the advanced facilities she had grown accustomed to.
Milika expressed her enthusiasm for competing at the Pacific School Games, saying, “It’s good out there, training is hard and competition is really strong, but I like it. I’m excited about going back to compete for Queensland at the games.”
Her brother, Eroni, was also making strides in athletics, selected for the Australian elite exchange team that toured the United States for competitions and exposure.
Milika’s father affirmed her commitment, noting that she would attend a one-week camp in Brisbane before the historic games at Homebush Stadium.
This story highlights the incredible potential of young athletes and the importance of support from family and mentors in nurturing their talents. Milika’s journey represents hope not only for her own future but also for the youth of Fiji and Australia, showcasing that ambition and hard work can open doors to extraordinary opportunities in sports.
Summary: Milika Tuivanuavou, a nine-year-old athlete from Fiji, aimed to make history by representing Queensland at the Pacific School Games in Sydney in April 2000. Despite facing challenges after returning to Fiji from Brisbane, Milika demonstrated exceptional talent in athletics, garnering recognition and support from her family and coaches, which helped pave the way for her exciting athletic journey.
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