Pita Burese vaulted into the record books at the 2026 Coca‑Cola Games this afternoon, clearing 2.10 metres to break a 23‑year‑old senior boys high jump mark. The leap surpassed the previous meet record of 2.09m set by Antonio Rahiman in 2003, giving Burese a new benchmark at Fiji’s premier secondary schools athletics carnival.
Burese achieved the new height before making an unsuccessful bid at 2.12m later in the competition. Officials confirmed the 2.10m clearance as the new Coca‑Cola Games record, bringing to an end more than two decades without a change in the senior boys high jump standard at the meet.
Speaking to The Fiji Times after the event, Burese said he felt a mixture of excitement and gratitude. “I feel excited today and happy. All thanks to the Man above,” he said, reflecting on the culmination of his preparation and the emotion of the moment. He described coming into the event confident that his hard work and determination had paid off.
Burese’s record‑breaking performance was singled out among the standout moments of this year’s Games, which conclude this afternoon. The Coca‑Cola Games regularly serve as a showcase for emerging Fijian talent in track and field, and a new meet record in a marquee event like the senior boys high jump is a rare and notable achievement.
The previous record, set by Antonio Rahiman in 2003, had stood through eras of athletes who have passed through the schools circuit since. Burese’s 2.10m clearance now resets expectations for future competitors at the meet and gives the young jumper a milestone to build on if he pursues higher marks in regional or national competition.
Organisers and spectators hailed the jump as one of the most distinct highlights of this year’s programme. With the Coca‑Cola Games wrapping up, attention will turn to post‑meet rankings and selection processes where standout performers like Burese commonly draw interest for broader representative opportunities.