Team Fiji shot put athlete Mereoni Bonasere set a new personal best with a throw of 12.34 metres in the women’s shot put during the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games yesterday.

Placed among some of the best in Asia, Bonasere managed to beat her old record of 12.15m to be placed in the top eight.

She said it was not easy competing against big countries like China, Uzbekistan and Korea but is happy that she at least achieved something.

“The experience has been amazing, representing Fiji has given me opportunities that I never thought I would get,” Bonasere said.

“Being in Team Fiji and participating in my first international event has been a huge eye-opener and I have never felt this proud of myself before.

“Going up against other athletes from top countries has been a real learning experience for me and a huge stepping stone as well.

“Coming from a small island to this big country it has been very tough for me to adjust and very challenging because I am competing against other athletes who have really good coaches and have the resources that we don’t.

While warming up before her event, Bonasere said she was close to giving up but the guidance and encouragement from Mustafa Fall gave her the strength to move forward.

“When I was warming up I got to witness my competitors from China and Uzbekistan who were really good and to be honest I felt really scared and basically lost all hope because I felt like I was nothing compared to them.

“But the one person who came through for me was Mustafa, he encouraged me and told me to just do my best, focus on my techniques and not to worry about my competition.

“I think if it wasn’t for him I would not have gone through with it. I feel happy and proud that I at least set a personal best for myself.”

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