Athletes based overseas who have been consistent with their performance need not to attend the Pacific Games trials here, says national coach Albert Miller.

The countdown to the November 9 to December 2 Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands has started with 192 days to go for athletes and coaches to prepare for the regional event.

“With Fane Sauvakalolo, it’s not really compulsory as she’s been competing in the United States.

“She’s achieved the qualifying standard and she will also participate in the World University Games in China in July,” he said.

Miller confirmed yesterday that Mustafa Fall was in the country, he is yet to reach out to Athletics Fiji.

“It’s up to him (Fall). He hasn’t competed this season and it’s up to him to attend the trials as he hasn’t really come to us with information regarding his plans; we’re waiting to hear from him.

“Athletes get three opportunities (trials). If they’re based overseas, they must provide evidence that they’ve competed in a legitimate competition.”

Miller has affirmed that the qualifying standards have been set.

“One important thing for people or the athletes to realise is that if you’re in Fiji, we recommend that you attend the trials.”

“Even if you’ve achieved the qualifying standards, we recommend that you show some initiative and attend the trials so that we can gauge your performance,” he said.

About 25 athletes will be selected to represent Fiji in the Pacific Games after the three trials on July 15, August 5 and September 2.

“Just because you achieve the qualifying standard doesn’t mean you’re automatically in.

“Like I said we have a limited number of athletes that we can only take 25; 15 male and 10 female apart from that I just want to encourage athletes to attend the trials.”

Athletics Fiji has listed 187 athletes majority of who were medal winners at this year’s Coke Games to attend orientation on May 15 at 9am at the Event Lounge of the HFC Bank Stadium, Suva.

Story by: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj