Roko Ilaisa Tabete, a rising athletics talent and 16-year-old deputy head boy at International School Suva, is expanding his sporting horizons by incorporating hurdles into his training regimen, alongside his well-known specialty in the 400-meter race. A native of Matuku, Lau, Tabete’s dedication to athletics has been evident since he was young, and he has made a name for himself by consistently representing his schools in the Coca-Cola Games over the past five years.
Tabete’s athletic journey has also taken him to the international stage, where he proudly represented Fiji in the 400 meters at the 2024 Oceania Games. Reflecting on that experience, he noted the contrast between national competitions and international events, saying, “I got to have a taste of the international competitions. It’s a much bigger upgrade compared to the national Coca-Cola Games. These experiences helped me improve my mindset as an athlete.”
Recently, Tabete’s coach, Albert Miller, has encouraged him to experiment with hurdles, a discipline that necessitates different techniques and skills. Tabete acknowledges the challenges of transitioning from flat sprinting to hurdling but remains enthusiastic about this new experience. “Hurdles is a unique experience compared to running flat,” he mentioned. “It’s been quite a challenge, but I’m up for it. I really enjoy the technique and skill involved.”
Currently, Tabete is using hurdles primarily as a training tool aimed at boosting his stamina and endurance for the 400 meters, but he envisions potential in hurdles as a competitive event in the future. “Right now, I’m using it as training for the 400 just so I can get up my stamina and endurance. But with my experience in hurdles so far, I think it’s probably one of my potentials to take up later on,” he explained.
Though Tabete has yet to clinch a gold medal, he was part of a record-breaking relay team in the Suva 1 zone last year, setting new benchmarks for future athletes. With aspirations high for this year, he expressed hope that his rigorous training and accumulated experiences will finally lead him to win a gold medal or at least secure a top-three finish.
Tabete’s journey exemplifies the dynamic nature of athletic development, highlighting the importance of embracing new challenges, such as hurdles. This approach not only fosters personal growth but also enhances the competitive edge necessary to excel in both national and international arenas. As he continues to train and adapt, the future looks promising for this young athlete, whose story is one of dedication, passion, and ambition.
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