Burese breaks 23-year high jump record

A 23-year-old high jump record was broken at the Fiji Finals as Sacred Heart College’s Pita Burese soared to 2.10 metres at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.

Burese eclipsed the previous mark of 2.09m set by Antonio Rahiman of Marist Brothers High School in 2003.

The new record capped an impressive performance from Burese, whose previous best was 2.00m recorded during the Suva Zone 1 competition.

Speaking to SUNsports, Burese said he was thrilled to achieve the milestone.

“I’m very happy and excited to break the old record and set a new one. It was tough competition from schools like QVS, Suva Grammar and Levuka Public School,” he said.

Despite the strong field, Burese said he remained confident heading into the event.

“I knew it was going to be tough, but I was well prepared,” he said.

He dedicated the achievement to his family, coach and supporters.

“I would like to dedicate this win to my family back home for their support and encouragement, my coach, old scholars of Sacred Heart College, teachers and my fellow students,” he said.