Lewageena refuses to surrender

Loata Lewageena’s resilience and pride for her country is what sets her apart from her peers as she is ready to participate in next week’s Oceania Championship in Darwin, Australia.

This is after the 18-year-old suffered an intercostal injury during one of her javelin training sessions, which restricted her movement.

The injury involves the overstretching or tearing of muscles between the ribs, often caused by direct trauma, twisting, or repetitive motion.

“I was bedridden for two weeks so I couldn’t train and I lost a lot of weight,” Lewageena said.

“I couldn’t throw (javelin) and I couldn’t even walk properly.”

Despite the injury, Lewageena fought on and managed to take part in the Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Finals, two weeks ago.

She won the gold medal in the senior girl’s javelin while she settled for silver in the senior girl’s discus.

“I wanted to keep throwing because that’s what I love the most,” Lewageena said.

“I also want to make my family and coach proud. I want to win a medal for my school (Ratu Sukuna Memorial School) so that’s what kept me throwing all the time.”

Lewageena added that her performance during the Fiji Finals may have been affected by her injury.

“I couldn’t even move my hand during the Fiji Finals I forced myself to throw,” she said.

“It’s better now apart from the last two weeks.”

The Emuri, Nadroga, lass is aiming to put on her bets throws that qualifies her to the Commonwealth Games in Glasglow, Scotland.

“If I manage to qualify that’ll be the first time for me to represent Fiji at the Commonwealth Games. I want to set a new personal best record and get exposure at the Oceania Championship.”

Lewageena will be expecting stiff competition from the region.

“It can be overwhelming for an 18-year-old competing with other experienced athletes. My family and coaches have advised me to try my best to qualify for the Commonwealth Games.”

Lewageena will compete in the open category of the discus and javelin events.

The Oceania Athletics Championship will be from May 18-23.