The postponement of the Tokyo Olympics 2020 is a blessing in disguise for Fijian long-distance champion Avikash Lal.

The 24-year-old, who won gold in the half-marathon and the silver medal in the 5000metres at the 2019 Pacific Games in Apia, is training hard.

The Fiji Airways flight attendant believes he could win Fiji’s next Olympic medal after the rugby sevens team created history winning gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

“To be honest my athletics vision is definitely going to be fulfilled because I’m training hard. I can qualify for the Olympics and I can win a medal for Fiji,” he said.

“I’m training hard to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. With the postponement I’ve more time to train to achieve my target.”

Lal, who resides in Votualevu, Nadi, runs 90 miles a week during this COVID-19 pandemic and does a lot of strength and conditioning training.

“I support myself financially and without my family support I would not be where I am now. I thank God with the talent. Everything is possible in this world if we work for it.”

He thanked his parents, former champion runner Parshottam Lal, Glen and Bruce, Fiji Airways, Athletics Fiji, Jet Runners Club and those who have been supporting him.

Edited by Osea Bola

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