Taichi Vakasama, a national swimming champion, has successfully combined his passion for sports and academics, proving that achieving excellence in both is possible. Recently, he graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Fiji on November 29.
At just 24 years old, Vakasama reflected on his challenging yet rewarding six-year journey at the Umanand Prasad School of Medicine and Health Science located in Saweni, Lautoka. Balancing the rigors of medical studies with the demands of competitive swimming was not easy. “The first year I attended university was a new experience altogether, with the new environment and significant coursework,” Vakasama shared. As Fiji’s flag bearer at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, he faced additional challenges, particularly during the pandemic.
However, Vakasama adapted over time. He praised his colleagues, stating they played a crucial role by helping him catch up on missed lessons whenever he had swimming commitments. “They took care of what I missed and supported me online with my studies,” he remarked.
His achievements in swimming are noteworthy. Vakasama has competed in several prestigious events, including the 2018 FINA World Swimming Championships in Hangzhou, China, and the 2018 Commonwealth Games, where he reached the semi-finals in the men’s 100m breaststroke. He also holds the Pacific Games record for the men’s 200m breaststroke. Vakasama made history as the first Fijian swimmer to win a medal at the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2017.
He attributes much of his success to his parents, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support and encouragement.
Vakasama’s story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that perseverance, time management, and support from others can lead to remarkable accomplishments in both sports and academics. His dual success highlights that with dedication, nothing is impossible.
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