Need To Keep Everyone Guessing: Toia

2022 Coca-Cola Games double gold medalist Evueli Toia believes that technique and training are the key to his gold medal wins.

The Delakado, Dawasamu native following his senior boys 1500 metres gold medal on Thursday took out the boys 3000m run in 9:31.0 minutes at the HFC Stadium, Suva on Friday 19^th August.

The record is held by Isireli Naikelekelevesi of Marist Brothers High School, who had set it in 1996 with the time of 9:06.2 minutes.

The Saint Vincent College student was the outright favourite beating Ratu Kadavulevu School, Queen Victoria School, Marist Brothers High School and favourites Suva Grammar School.

Speaking to SUNsports he attributed his success to his trainer and father Akilio Seru.

“Hard training has finally paid off,” Toia said.

“Man, this is just unbelievable but this is how hard work, commitment and sacrifice reward you,” he said.

“I had set my goals from the day I started my training, took one step at a time knowing that it will be tough.

“After the zone meet, we reviewed my run and spotted some things that I needed to change heading to the Cokes.

“I had to change my technique and tactics to counter and increase my pace to keep the other runners guessing.

“The road to reach here wasn’t that easy as there were a lot of challenges but I overcame them with the support of my friends, teachers and families.

“At the zone meet when I finished first, I knew that the Coke Games was going to be mine and I focused on that.

He added the gold medal win was a special and a memorable one for his final year as a secondary school student.

“This is my final year in school and to win two gold medals is just so sweet for me and my family,” he said.

“I will return and celebrate with my family and the school; this Cokes journey is a memorable one.”

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