Paula Vonolagi and Lusiana Lewasewa claimed the blue‑ribbon senior 100m titles at the Coca‑Cola Games Suva Zone Two athletics meet at HFC Bank Stadium yesterday, producing standout performances as the zone competition heads into its final day. Vonolagi of Suva Grammar School won the senior boys sprint in 10.57 seconds, while Lomary Secondary School’s Lusiana Lewasewa upset the field to take the senior girls race in 13.27 seconds.
Vonolagi’s 10.57s run underlined his return to form as he builds towards next month’s national Coca‑Cola Games. The Suva Grammar athlete has battled a hamstring injury during pre‑season but said yesterday’s victory was a significant personal milestone. “I would like to thank the Lord for looking after my life, there are many things I have been going through however in running today, there are not there anymore,” Vonolagi said after the race, adding that the win is an important step in his preparations for the bigger meet.
The race was also a test of resilience for Vonolagi off the track: he told officials and teammates that regaining fitness this season had not been easy, and he credited his faith for keeping him focused through the recovery process. His performance will be watched closely as the Coca‑Cola Games approach, where zone champions traditionally measure themselves against the country’s best school sprinters.
In the senior girls final, Lusiana Lewasewa produced one of the day’s biggest surprises, overtaking more favoured rivals to deliver a major upset for Serua‑based Lomary Secondary School. Lewasewa crossed the line in 13.27 seconds despite having only a week to prepare for the zone meet. “I would like to thank my mother for everything she has done every day, being raised up in trying times and for waking me up every morning to train and for that I am so thankful,” she said, acknowledging the role her family played in her rapid preparation.
Lomary, historically known for taking podium places at national meets, will welcome Lewasewa’s unexpected success as a positive sign for the school’s sprint program. Coaches and zone officials noted how the youngster’s short but intense lead‑up emphasised determination and grit, attributes that earned her the title against a competitive lineup at HFC Bank Stadium.
The Suva Zone Two championships conclude today, with final events determining who advances to the next stages ahead of the Coca‑Cola Games. Vonolagi and Lewasewa’s victories are the latest developments from the zone meet and mark important momentum swings as athletes and schools prepare for the national championships next month.
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