Pita Burese of Sacred Heart College shattered a 23-year-old senior boys high jump record at the Coca‑Cola Games yesterday, clearing 2.10 metres on his third attempt to eclipse the 2.09m mark set by Antonio Rahiman in 2003. The Matawalu, Ba youngster erupted into celebration the moment the bar held, throwing his arms up and lying back in jubilation on the landing mattress as teammates and officials looked on.
Burese had been the clear favourite going into the event and had publicly targeted the long-standing record. After securing the historic jump, competition officials raised the bar to 2.12m in a bid to push him further, but he was unable to clear the higher height. Regardless, his 2.10m leap is now the new benchmark for senior boys high jump at the premier secondary schools meet.
Speaking to Times Sport after the jump, Burese gave credit to his faith and expressed unbridled joy. “I feel excited today and happy. All thanks to the Man above,” he said. His reaction underlined the personal significance of ending a record that had stood through more than two decades of Coca‑Cola Games competition.
The result was the culmination of a steady build-up this season. At the Suva Zone One meet last month, Burese cleared 2.00m and, when asked then about his approach, stressed humility and steady progress. “Slow but sure, but I will always give my best,” he told reporters, adding that staying humble and accepting whatever comes was central to his preparation. Those comments now read as a fitting prelude to his record-breaking moment.
Sacred Heart’s new national record-holder will now carry heightened expectations as the Coca‑Cola Games continue, with the jump likely securing gold in the senior boys division. The meet, which showcases the country’s top young athletics talent, has long been a springboard for athletes aiming to transition to national and regional competition; breaking a two-decade record at this stage marks Burese as a prospect to watch.
Antonio Rahiman’s 2.09m set in 2003 had long been regarded as a tough standard, surviving changes in coaching, technique and equipment across generations of school athletes. Burese’s new mark both resets the target for rivals and offers Sacred Heart a marquee moment at this year’s Games. Coaches and spectators will now be watching to see if he attempts further heights in upcoming competitions as he moves beyond the schools circuit.