Eugene Vollmer vows to cut out on his bad habits as he prepares for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The 28-year-old, is one of Fiji’s finest athletes when it comes to dedication and commitment towards sports and education.

“The Pacific Mini Games is the competition to start our preparations,” the national long jump champios said.

“Now we’re trying to improve our preparations and compete at international competitions and iron out bad habits especially working on our techniques.”

As a senior athlete the former Marist Brothers High School long jumper believes his role to keep the young and experience athletes together is vital.

“For me a senior athlete I always try to inspire the young ones coming in, inspire them to work hard, try to talk to them and encourage them.

“It’s awesome to see new faces coming up,” he added.

Malakai Kaiwalu clears the bar during the first time trials at the ANZ Stadium, Suva on January 20, 2018. Photo: Anasilini Ratuva

Vollmer also believes it’s important for students to understand that the Coca-Cola Games is not the end of their athletics career.

“My biggest aim now is to get these young athletes to come in and compete. Coke Games is not the end of it but there is the Pacific Mini Games, Pacific Games and other international indoor and outdoor Games, Commonwealth and Olympic Games.

“There are a lot of opportunities involved,” he added.

Vollmer was part of the national athletics squad to the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

Meanwhile, Athletics Fiji had their first time trials at the ANZ Stadium, Suva, on Saturday.

AF manager to the Commonwealth Games Joe Rodan Jnr said they would pick on form.

“Our criteria are those who won gold medal from the Mini Games so there are five gold medalists but we have been allocated nine spots.

“I’m happy with the outcome of our first time trial,” Rodan Jnr said.    

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua   

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