Cokanauto sets sub-junior record in long jump

Jhaire Cokanauto of Queen Victoria School (QVS) set a new record in the sub junior boys’ long jump with a leap of 6.26 metres on day one of the Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Finals at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium yesterday.

He broke the previous record of 6.12 metres set by Opeti Tikoisuva of Suva Grammar School last year.

“I didn’t expect to break the record,” Cokanauto said.

“I dedicate this gold medal to QVS ex-scholars and our supporters in the grandstand.”

He also dedicated the win to his parents.

“We had a long preparation for the Fiji Finals, and we were often told to humble ourselves and the Lord will lift us up,” he said.

“I’ll take part in the sub-junior 400 metres final tomorrow (today.”

The 14-year-old from Nadrala, Nadroga, said he initially felt anxious seeing the large crowd at the stadium but remained focused on his performance.

“We faced a lot of challenges in our early morning training sessions, including hill runs, and it helped me win gold,” Cokanauto said.

“Seeing my peers do their hostel chores, like pulling weeds in the afternoon heat, motivated me to do my best.”

He advised his peers to stay humble and work towards their goals.

Cokanauto was also named Best Male Athlete at the Tailevu Zone competition.