It was a special day for Samuela Wilidrau when he wore his first track shoes yesterday.

The 14-year-old Adi Maopa Secondary School student told SUNsports that wearing the track shoes has inspired him to go out and win a gold medal not only in the Maritime Zone but at the Coca-Cola Games as well.

Wilidrau who is running in the junior boys 400 metres said, he has never worn track shoes in his life.

This became a reality last Saturday when their sponsors provided them with their uniforms and other gears as well.

Originally from Muamua in Vanuabalavu, Wilidrau said he has a lot of weight on his shoulders knowing that he has to do his school proud and also his father who was a former athlete.

“I’m so blessed to have new track shoes and I’m hoping that this will help me when I run on the tracks at the stadium. My father (Semesi) was also a 200-metre runner for Adi Maopa.

“He is the one person I want to do proud. Since this is my first year, I will have to prove myself and represent my school to the best of my ability.”

Wilidrau talked about his training programme and how he overcame his major challenge, which was on his fitness.

“I had to train everyday so my body could get used to it. In Vanuabalavu we do not have tracks like we have in Suva, so every day I would run along the school grounds and sometimes along the white sandy beaches.”

The Maritime Zone gets underway this morning.

This will be the final zone competition before the Coca-Coa Games starts on Tursday as 151 schools have already confirmed their participation.

– Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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