Two of Tailevu North College’s youngest athletes say they are ready to step onto the national stage as the Coca‑Cola Games approach in Suva, bringing a mix of nervous energy, disciplined preparation and high hopes for medals. Sub‑junior girls javelin thrower Rosana Dretirua and junior boys middle‑distance runner Mosese Elo Vuetibau have been finalising their preparations and credit coaching guidance and family support for getting them to this point.
Dretirua described the build‑up as “demanding but rewarding”, saying the months of training have been focused not only on technique but on the mental work required to perform in a big stadium. “Preparation has been tough, but I’m really happy the Games are finally here so I can show all the hard work I’ve put in,” she said. Her coaches, she added, have emphasised composure — reminding her not to be afraid or distracted by the crowd and to “leave everything on the field.”
Javelin is a technical event where one good throw can change a competition, and Dretirua’s attention to the psychological side of competing signals her team’s belief that steady nerves will be as important as physical form. As one of the sub‑junior competitors, she represents the next wave of talent emerging from the school’s athletics programme.
On the track, Vuetibau has centred his training on race management as he prepares for the junior boys 1500 metres. Quietly confident, he said learning how to pace himself, pick the right moments to move and respond to surges has been the focus of recent sessions. “Training has been going well, especially learning how to manage my run,” he said. “My biggest goal is to win a medal.”
Both athletes were keen to acknowledge the role of their families. Each credited parents for the practical and emotional support that has enabled long days of training and travel to meets and sessions. They said the sacrifices made at home have been a major motivating factor as they prepare to compete against the best school athletes in the country.
Tailevu North College is aiming to use the Games as a platform to raise its profile in school athletics, with Dretirua and Vuetibau among a cohort of younger competitors the school hopes will deliver results and gain experience for future seasons. The pair’s combination of technical focus and mental preparation will be watched closely by school coaches and supporters as the competitions unfold.
The Coca‑Cola Games, Fiji’s premier secondary schools athletics meet held annually in Suva, often serves as a showcase for emerging talent and a stepping stone to national selection. With form and tactics sharpened in the lead‑up, Dretirua and Vuetibau will be among the athletes to watch as Tailevu North looks to stamp its presence at this year’s Games.