Athletics future looks bright

Athletics Fiji is setting its sights on major international competitions as part of a long-term plan leading up to the Brisbane Olympic Games in 2032.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday Athletics Fiji president Jioji Liga said they are focused on this year’s Commonwealth Games followed by Pacific Games.

“We’ve plans for 2026,” he said.

“The Oceania Championships in Darwin, Australia, and the Commonwealth Games are the two major events we will focus on. This is our build-up to the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti.”

Liga added that they are also working towards the Tonga’s Pacific Games in 2031 and the Brisbane Olympic Games in 2032.

“All preparations leading up to these events are crucial as we have to continue on the momentum right to 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane.”

Liga said Athletics Fiji will also compete in the World Under 20 Championships in Oregon, USA, and the Youth Olympic Games in Qatar.

“We currently have a national high-performance squad of more than 60 athletes preparing across the Under 16, Under 18, Under 20 and Open grades,” he said.

Students urged

Liga also encouraged student athletes who are competing in this year’s Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Final (commonly known as Coca-Cola Games) to train hard and give their best performance.

“The Fiji Final remains the best talent identification platform. I encourage students competing this year to perform to the best of their ability, as the hunt for talent in athletics has already begun and will only get tougher,” he said.

Liga highlighted that athletes competing in the junior grades should be aware of the long-term pathway that is ahead of them.

“An athlete competing in the junior grade needs to understand that six years down the line, they could be contesting for a spot at the Brisbane Games if they perform well at the Coca Cola Games.

“It is important that athletes have a long-term dream of continuing in the sport. Once you are in the Coca Cola Games, you are on our talent radar for 2032, as well as the lead up competitions starting in Darwin this year.”