Celestine Atalifo from Saint Joseph Secondary School shined at the 2025 Fiji Finals, taking first place in the Sub-Junior Girls’ discus throw with an impressive throw of 31.83 meters. Despite her remarkable achievement, Atalifo candidly shared that managing pre-competition nerves was a significant hurdle she had to overcome, a challenge that resonates with many first-time competitors in such a high-stakes environment.
Behind her gold medal-winning performance, Atalifo stated that the anticipation of the crowd and the enormity of the event were quite daunting initially. As she stepped onto the stage, the excitement was palpable, and she quickly realized that transforming initial nerves into focus was key to her success. Following her were Naomi Talakuli from Ba Sanatan, who secured the silver medal with a throw of 24.85 meters, and Luisa Baleidrokadroka from Cicia High, who earned bronze with a mark of 22.82 meters.
At just 14 years old, Atalifo expressed her hopes of breaking records in future competitions, demonstrating a commitment to her development as an athlete. Her journey mirrors that of other young competitors seen recently, such as Salanieta Cereivalu, who set a new junior girls’ javelin record earlier this year, showcasing the emerging talent across Fiji’s youth sports scene.
The collective success of these young athletes not only inspires their peers but also illustrates the evolving landscape of athletics in Fiji, instilling a sense of hope and pride within their communities. The vibrant atmosphere and achievements seen at the Fiji Finals are indicative of a promising future in sports, further motivating the next generation to pursue their athletic dreams fearlessly.
This spirit of resilience and ambition among young athletes like Atalifo and Cereivalu points to a broader narrative of excellence in athletics in Fiji, encouraging more participation and growth in various athletic disciplines.
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