Burese eyes new high jump record

Sacred Heart College student Peter Burese is aiming to etch his name in the history books in this year’s Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Finals (commonly known as the Coca-Cola Games).

The Matawalu, Ba, lad set a new record of 2.00m in the senior boy’s high jump during the Suva Zone 1 competition.

The leap broke his own previous zone record of 1.95m set in 2025 and is just 9cm shy of the 2.09m Coca-Cola Games record held by Malakai Kaiwalu and Antonio Rahiman.

The Fiji Finals will be from April 30 to May 2 at Suva’s National Stadium.

Speaking to SUNsports, Burese said he is aware of the competition and is ready to take on the challenge.

“It will be tough, but I will prepare well for this competition. There are lots of good athletes from other schools, so I will not be cocky by counting them out,” he said.

Burese, who is self-trained, added the intensity of the game shouldn’t be a problem as he is preparing well.

“The (Fiji Finals) record is 2.09m. I believe anything is possible and nothing is impossible if we put our heart and mind to it,” he said.

Overcoming the challenge of having no coach by relying on personal discipline is normal for Burese.

“Being self-coached is a challenge at times but it positively impacts me as an athlete as it also contributes to discipline.

“That is one part, some athletes don’t have,” he said.

Burese urges all athletes to push their limits during the Games if they are to achieve their dreams.