Peniani Waqatabu produced one of the most uplifting moments of the 2026 Coca‑Cola Games yesterday, claiming gold in the Special Junior Boys Long Jump and drawing praise for turning personal perseverance into public inspiration. The Queen Victoria School (QVS) paralympic athlete, who hails from Deuba in Serua, said his victory was rooted in faith and the support of those around him.
“Firstly, I would like to thank the Lord for His guidance, strength, and determination that enabled me to participate in this year’s Fiji Finals. He made me win despite my disability,” Waqatabu told reporters after the event, his emotion evident. He dedicated his gold medal to “my friends, coaches, family, and the wider QVS community” who he said stood by him “every step of the way.”
Waqatabu also used the occasion to highlight the culture at Queen Victoria School, praising the institution for fostering inclusiveness. “I am so lucky to attend a school like QVS that values inclusiveness and equality for all students,” he said. “They don’t see me as someone with a disability, but as one of them.” His comments underline a growing focus on ensuring parity for special‑needs competitors in school sport settings.
The Coca‑Cola Games, Fiji’s premier secondary schools athletics meet, again provided a national stage for athletes from across the islands to showcase their talents. Waqatabu’s gold in the Special Junior Boys Long Jump not only adds to the event’s list of notable performances but also serves as a reminder of the importance of accessible competition pathways for Paralympic and special‑category athletes.
Members of the QVS community and his coaching team were quick to celebrate the win, describing it as a proud moment for the school and for Deuba in Serua. While Waqatabu did not disclose technical details of his jump, his post‑event remarks focused on gratitude and the emotional significance of achieving success in front of peers and supporters.
Waqatabu’s triumph will be remembered not just for the medal but for the message it carried: inclusiveness and community support can propel athletes to national success, regardless of physical challenges. As the Coca‑Cola Games wrap up, his victory stands out as one of the event’s most resonant developments, offering inspiration for other young athletes across Fiji.