Forty-six year old, Keresi Jeong believes age is no barrier after she and her 16- year-old daughter Bernadette won a gold medal each in the 7th Oceania Championship.

Jeong has been an inspiration to her daughter showing her that she can achieve her goals as long as she is determined and believe in herself.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday Bernadette said the win was unexpected but is a blessing to both of them.

“Having my mum in the team is very encouraging,” she said.

“I always look up to her and she is very supportive. She is always pushing me to go training with her when I feel like giving up and that has been my motivation. “The competition was amazing but yet stressful. It was a new environment, new people but we enjoyed it with friends that we have and seeing my mum there made things easy for me. This is an achievement and I’m happy that we are able to win it together.”

The two joined the sport in 2012 and have been participating in competitions like the Ambassadors Cup and the Fiji Games. Since this is their first time participating in the Oceania Games, Bernadette said, they did not expect to win anything but to gain the necessary experience.

Keresi described the win as a huge achievement and is encouraging women her age to also take on the sport as a means of staying fit and healthy.

“It feels good; this was a challenge for me as I never thought I would enter big competitions such as the Oceania Games.  I would challenge other women, it’s not too late. Even though you think you are too old for it, I’m forty six, it’s not about age you just give your all and just believe in yourself,” she added.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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