Gladness Simpson was welcomed as a local hero upon her return to her home village of Natoloulou in Wainunu, Bua, following her remarkable achievements at the 2025 Coca-Cola Championship Games. The celebration by the entire village reflects the pride in her accomplishments, especially as she was honored as the Overall Best Female Athlete at the Fiji Finals.
Simpson’s victories included gold medals in the senior girls’ 1500m, 800m, and the 4x400m relay, showcasing her prowess and emerging status as one of Fiji’s brightest young athletes. Her consistent performance at the Fiji Finals over the years has established her as a formidable competitor, winning multiple medals for Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School (MGM).
This year’s Coca-Cola Games not only witnessed individual brilliance from athletes like Simpson but also exhibited the overall strength and talent of MGM, which excelled at the event. The school’s continuous success in athletics is a testament to the rigorous training and dedication reflected in their athletes’ performances.
Similar to Gladness, fellow athlete Sera Nasilivata from MGM recently made headlines by breaking a longstanding record in the junior girls’ 100m event, which had stood for 32 years. These achievements highlight the growing culture of excellence in Fiji’s athletics community, inspiring young athletes to reach for their dreams.
As the celebrations continue, the promising outlook for athletics in Fiji is strengthened by the achievements of these young competitors. Their triumphs serve not only as personal milestones but also as a beacon of hope for future generations of athletes in the region, demonstrating the importance of determination, resilience, and community support in pursuing success.
Leave a comment