Blue Ribbon Winner Daubitu, A Late Comer To Athletics
Winning the senior boys 100 metres event at the Triple N zone was a pleasant surprise for Emosi Daubitu.
He ran a time of 11.04 seconds at the HFC Bank Stadium yesterday to clinch the blue-ribbon title.
Sila Central’s Vuniani Cavuilati finished second at 11.22 seconds and Ratu Koronako Serutalatala of Lelean Memorial School settled for bronze with a time of 11.51 seconds.
Now at the end of his high school days, the Year 13 winger of Naitasiri Secondary School finally took part in the school’s athletics trial.
He played rugby union and league throughout high school until he was asked to join the athletics team this year.
This year, the Matailobau, Naitasiri native played for the NSS Under-19 rugby league team which lost 24 -14 to Queen Victoria School in the semifinals of the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori on June 25.
He shares maternal links to Delaitoga, Naitasiri.
“I did not expect to win,” Daubitu said.
“I only trained for a few weeks as I was playing rugby league.
“This is the first time for me to take part in athletics.
“I dedicate this win to my mother, Merewai Kilibau. When I left to camp with the athletes, she did not tell me anything. This will be a surprise to her.”
Daubitu said he will lift his performance at the Fiji finals.
The Coca-Cola Games will be held at the HFC Bank Stadium on August 18-20.
Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj
