The pain of missing out on a medal at the 2019 Coca-Cola Games had been the driving factor behind Evueli Taia’s campaign.

The Saint Vincent College runner took out the gold medal in the open boys 3000 metres of the Tailevu Zone at the ANZ Stadium, Suva, yesterday.

Speaking to SUNsports, Taia said finishing fourth at the 2019 Coke Games had urged him to go for the gold medal in this year’s event.

He brushed off strong challenges from the Ratu Kadavulevu School and Queen Victoria School runners to win the race.

“At the finish line of the 2019 Coke Games when I came fourth, I set a goal to win the gold medal in the following year,” he said.

“Last year the Coke Games was cancelled and it was a blessing for me because I had more time to prepare.

“I wasted no time and started my training from the beginning of last year. I stayed composed and focused for the race.”

Taia added that he would focus on his training.

“I’ve to change my race plan to keep my opponents guessing.

“This is the moment I’ve been waiting for and my plan is to win gold nothing less.

“It’s something that I’ve been dreaming of from 2019 and this year I’ve to make sure that I win it,” he added.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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