A week away from the 2021 Coca-Cola Games the stage is set to crown the fastest man in the annual event.

Dubbed the blue ribbon event, the 100metres race is the most awaited and watched sprint race where the big boys of secondary schools aim to stamp their mark and claim the top prize.

Next week the likes of Tevita Sokiveta (Suva Grammar School), Josevata Rasoi (Natabua High School), Nacani Rasoqosoqo (Ratu Kadavulevu School), Anare Sailo (Lelean Memorial School) and

Joshua Daudravuni of Ratu Sukuna Memorial School and not to count out the outside schools that might come up with x-factors will be out to win the blue ribbon title.

Blessed with an extra year to prepare for the Coke Games after the COVID-19 pandemic, athletes have a lot to prove when the three –day event starts next Thursday at the ANZ Stadium in Suva.

Speaking to SUNsports Pacific sprint king Banuve Tabakaucoro rated two athletes who can win the event.

Tabakaucoro currently holds the 100m record of 10.43seconds set in 2011.

“It’s a tough call but for me it’s the boy from Natabua High Josevata Rasoi and Suva Grammar’s Tevita Sokiveta look good to win the Coca-Cola Games blue ribbon event,” he said.

“Rasoi clocked 10.75secs in the Lautoka Zone last month while Sokiveta clocked 10.64s during the Suva Zone Two athletics meet.”

Banuve adds he will not rule out the boys from Ratu Kadavulevu School and Queen Victoria School.

“The boy from Natabua looks pretty solid. I’m not going to count out other guys in our zone as he came out and competed as well,” he said.

“I am pretty happy as well and I am also considering the boys from QVS and RKS.”

The stakes are high now and the pressure will be on Tabakaucoro’s top two to hit the tape first come next week.

The focus and preparations for these sprinters narrow down to the one moment, one gunshot that sets athletes in motion.

Composed as they may seem to be, no one knows the pressure that these young sprinters endure to get the job done next week.

Lelean Memorial School sprinter Anare Sailo believes focus will be a key factor for him.

“This is the biggest competition of them all and nothing beats the excitement the Coke Games brings,” he said.

“There will be all sorts of noises that will distract us but for me I will have to focus and concentrate on the job.

“Cheering squads, fans and families will be louder than the gun so I will have to counter that if I want to win the blue ribbon.

After missing out last, that time of the year is almost upon us.

Apart from the students and athletes, parents and old scholars will definitely be at Laucala to add fire and bring excitement to the event which many believes stops the nation as we all look forward to it.
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