There is a saying in Tibetan, ‘Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength’ and if this was the case than nothing will stop Team Fiji swimmer Matelita Buadromo from making that trip to the 2016 Olympic Games on her own grounds.

Buadromo has encountered one of the toughest tragedies any young woman faces, which is the lost of her first love, a father.

The Naroi, Moala islander lost her father Akuila Buadromo eight months ago, in what she described as sudden.

“Two days after my father died, I left for a six weeks training camp in Brisbane, Australia with coach Sharon Smith,” she said.

“It was one of the most emotional trips for me especially leaving my family so early after losing our father.”

She felt so emotionally drained while she was in training camp that sometimes she felt like quitting.

“Then I got to thinking about my coach Sharon and others who have also sacrificed their time with their loved ones so we can get to Rio,” she said.

The University of the South Pacific student said it was also a surprise for her when her father allowed her to take a semester break off to concentrate on making the Olympics.

“My father was always about education first, so it surprised me and my family when he allowed me to take a break from tertiary studies.

“Also the support from family is what pushed me even harder to make the trip to Rio on merit rather than through a wildcard entry,” she said.

Buadromo does not mix her words as she oozes determination and sheer will.

“With every competition my time has just been getting better and now I am only two seconds away from qualifying on merit,” she said.

She competes in the 100 and 200 metres freestyle and already has FINA points that will qualify her to the Rio as a wildcard entry along with fellow swimmer Meli Malani.

Contributing her success in the water to her coach Sharon, Matelita said she has been consistent and happier when training.

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