John Vugakoto, a promising sub-junior athlete from Suva Grammar School, made a significant impact at the Suva Zone Two competition, where he set a new high jump record by clearing a height of 1.65 meters. This impressive feat was achieved during his first year of high school and his debut at the zone level, highlighting his potential in athletics.
Vugakoto, who began training just two weeks before the event, expressed his excitement about breaking the record. “It feels great to break a record in my first year at high school and also my first zone,” he said. He credited his success to hard work and faith, expressing gratitude towards his coach, Victor Sigavou, for his invaluable support and guidance.
As he prepares for the upcoming Fiji Finals on April 24, Vugakoto is hopeful of exceeding his recent achievement to set another record at the national school meet. Coming from a sporting family, he also harbors aspirations to represent Fiji in basketball, showcasing his versatility and ambition as an athlete. “It’s just something about the game that made me really interested in it,” he stated, emphasizing his desire for success across different sports.
This accomplishment is part of a broader trend in Fiji, where young athletes like Vugakoto are increasingly breaking records and setting new benchmarks, similar to high jump star Rusiate Matai, who recently set a national record. These achievements not only inspire fellow athletes but also symbolize a bright future for sports in Fiji, fostering national pride and paving the way for success on international stages.
Vugakoto’s journey is a testament to the resilience and dedication of Fijian youth in athletics, serving as a beacon of motivation for both him and future athletes to strive for their dreams with tenacity and passion.

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