Eight new records were established on the first day of the Triple N Zone athletics competition, held at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. This extraordinary event showcased remarkable performances across various track and field events, with some records standing for over a decade being shattered.
In the senior boys’ 1500m event, Veresa Valemei from Nakasi High School clocked an impressive 4 minutes and 19.97 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 4 minutes and 36.28 seconds set in 2021. Similarly, in the senior girls’ category, Akeneta Lutu of Lomaivuna High School finished with a record time of 5 minutes and 25.15 seconds, breaking the former mark set by Adi Cakobau School in 2021.
Waisea Turagalailai of Naitasiri Secondary School also made headlines, completing the sub junior boys’ 1500m in 4 minutes and 57.12 seconds, breaking the two-year record of 5 minutes and 01.97 seconds held by Voniani Veremalua of Wainimala Secondary School.
Field events also saw outstanding performances, with Sulia Bulivou of Lomaivuna High establishing a new record in the junior girls’ discus with a throw of 26.34m, which surpassed the previous record of 23.69m set by Ro Miriama Muakalou in 2024. Furthermore, Barbra Yalimaiwai from Nakasi High School set a new benchmark in the sub junior girls’ javelin with a remarkable throw of 30.45m, exceeding the 2021 record of 23.72m.
In the senior girls’ long jump, Ilisapeci Sagacera of Adi Cakobau School leaped to a record-breaking distance of 5.18m, outdoing the 2024 record of 4.96m, also set by a fellow ACS athlete, Domitila Naita. Additionally, Jeremy Verevodi shattered a 10-year-old record in the junior boys’ shot put with a throw of 12.05m, surpassing the former record of 11.73m held by Sila Central High School. Fipe Malolo of Naitasiri Secondary School also excelled, throwing 10.78m in the senior girls’ shot put to break the 2021 record of 10.31m set by ACS.
The establishment of these records not only showcases the extraordinary talent and hard work of these young athletes but also highlights an encouraging trend within Fiji’s athletics scene, fostering a spirit of excellence and camaraderie among schools. As the competition continues, the excitement builds for what more these talented individuals can achieve in the future.
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