Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School distance runner Merekeleni Ratubaka claimed top honours in the 2025 sub-junior girls 1500m and 3000m races, saying discipline and family support carried her through a fiercely competitive field. The double-gold performance at the zone meet on Saturday marks the latest step in Ratubaka’s rise as she sets her sights on the Fiji Finals and the national Coca-Cola Games.
Ratubaka, who hails from Draunivi in Ra and has strong maternal ties to Natolevu, Tavua, said the victories were the product of “weeks of discipline and sacrifice” after being told she was selected for the zone competition. “The race was so competitive and tough,” she said. “But I did not lose hope because I trust in myself.” Her composure under pressure allowed her to hold off a prepared pack of rivals to secure clear victories in both distance events.
Family played a central role in the achievement. Ratubaka expressed heartfelt thanks to her parents, who travelled from Ra to watch her races. “I want to thank my parents for coming all the way from Ra to be part of my achievement,” she said, acknowledging the emotional and logistical support that helped sustain her training and focus.
With these gold medals now on her résumé, Ratubaka is already planning the next phase of preparation. She told coaches and teammates that she intends to sharpen her times ahead of the Fiji Finals and the Coca-Cola Games, describing the upcoming meets as “much tougher compared to last year.” The Coca-Cola Games remain Fiji’s premier secondary schools athletics carnival, and strong performances at zone and finals levels are often used to gauge which athletes could emerge at the national stage.
Ratubaka’s coach and school officials have not issued a statement, but the runner’s own remarks underline a maturity beyond her years: maintaining fitness and mindset after selection, and immediately setting performance goals rather than resting on recent successes. She will also be involved in relay duties, with the 4x400m expected to provide another chance to contribute points for Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School.
Her double-gold weekend adds a new dynamic to the sub-junior ranks ahead of the Fiji Finals, giving rivals a benchmark to chase and positioning Ratubaka as one to watch as the season progresses. As she continues to fine-tune her training and race strategy, the coming weeks will show whether she can translate zone dominance into national success at the Coca-Cola Games.
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