Childhood dreams turned to reality for Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School middle distance runner Nirav Kumar yesterday. He has now qualified for the Coca- Cola Games.

The Sawani, Naitasiri lad Nirav Kumar came from behind to win gold in the sub junior boys 400 metres and 800m finals of the Suva Zone One competition at the ANZ Stadium, Suva.

Speaking to SUNsports Kumar said he has shifted his focus to the Coke Games.

“It was always my dream to participate in Coke Games because of the excitement and the competition is just unreal,” he said.

“I never ran while in n primary school so this is a huge challenge for me but I’m ready.

“I’m going to achieve my dreams in a few weeks’ time.”

Kumar said he has to make changes if he is to do well at the Coke Games.

“There will be lots of competition at the Coke Games because all athletes will want to win.

“I’ll have to train a bit harder and make sure that I’m well composed and focused,” he added.

RSMS, Dudley top 100m finals

Nothing beats proper planning, says Suva Zone One senior boys 100m champion Joshua Daudravuni.

The Ratu Sukuna Memorial School sprinter clocked 11.23sconds.

Speaking to SUNsports, the Rewa native said it’s all about proper planning.

“I started a bit late during the heats,” he said.

“In the tent I had to think hard and redo my plan for the final. My plan now is to work on reducing my time and making sure I’m in contention with other top sprinters.”

Daudravuni added that mental toughness is very much needed during the Coke Games.

“When I was at RKS I didn’t even run and the mentality then was different,” he said.

“Now my mental prep has to be good and tough because I’m going to run against my former schoolmates. The environment at the Coke Games requires composure and focus.”

Daudravuni trains under coach Bola Tafo’ou.

Meanwhile, Filomena Nasilivata of Dudley High School won the senior girls 100m final.

“Now it’s time to work hard and try to win something at the Coke Games,” she said.

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