Queen Victoria School’s athletics coach Ratu Meli Romuakalou faces the challenge of establishing a robust athletics program in an environment where rugby is predominantly celebrated. Transitioning from Suva Grammar School, where he spent four years, Romuakalou experienced a difficult adjustment period as he shifted to a new school and a different group of athletes.
Romuakalou expressed the emotional toll of leaving his previous team, saying, “I think being with Suva Grammar School for the past four years, coming into QVS wasn’t easy, leaving the Grammar family behind and working with a new set of boys.” However, his determination to build a successful athletics program was ignited after observing the talent displayed by QVS athletes at last year’s Coca-Cola Games. This observation propelled him into action, leading him to seek assistance from renowned athlete Banuve Tabakaucoro and begin recruiting specialized coaches to enhance training for sprints in the 200 and 400 meters.
Despite the challenges posed by the school’s traditional focus on rugby, Romuakalou remains optimistic about the potential of QVS athletes. He believes that with the right guidance and training, the school’s athletic talents can thrive. “Most of the tradition here is rugby, so trying to make athletics one of the main sports in QVS is hard. But there are always talented boys here; they just need guidance to take them where they need to be.”
Recently, the QVS inter-house athletics competition concluded at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, where Tovata house emerged victorious. This event highlighted the school’s ongoing efforts to foster a competitive athletics spirit among its students, setting the stage for future achievements in the sport. The commitment of coaches like Romuakalou, coupled with the talented young athletes, points to a hopeful future for athletics at Queen Victoria School.
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