With a week left for the Suva Zone Two  competition, Gospel High School’s gold medal prospect Uraia Baba says, the turnaround time is a challenge.

He is poised to challenge Marist Brothers High School and Suva Grammar School runners in the zone’s senior boys’ 200 and 400 metres races.

Speaking to SUNsports, the Naivakarauniu, Kadavu native said preparations will be tough but he has to recover well for the zone.

“Next Friday is the zone and it’s tough to pick the scraps and work extra time for that,” he said.

“Going for gold is tougher than winning it and the road there is even harder.

“I’m very much focused on my recovery time and diet now because it’s so important for my preparations.”

Baba said it’s about sacrifice and commitment if he is to qualify for the Coke Games.

“Take into consideration the turnaround time is short and the workload is more for me.

“So I’ve to see that I’ve more recovery time.

“For my diet I’ll have to go without carbs for a few days and focus on light foods. It’s more of a recovery diet for me.”

Baba said, the presence of 2015 Coca-Cola Games senior boys’ 100m champion Aaron Powell is a boost for him.

“I’m blessed to be coached by former student Powell and I’m inspired by his achievement,” he said.

“He has been teaching me a lot of new things and techniques heading into the zone meet.

“Having a champ like him coaching me and the other athletes will really boost our preparations.”

Meanwhile, Saint Luke won the interhouse competition with 27 gold medals, 27 silvers, 23 bronze followed by Saint John with 27 gold, 19 silvers, 13 bronze.

Finishing third was Saint Matthew with 19 gold, 19 silvers, 13 bronze medals with Saint Mark collecting 18 gold, 21 silvers, 19 bronze medals

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