Second Time Lucky Tuiloma Bags Gold

It was second time lucky for Veniana Tuiloma of Vunisea Secondary School on Friday 19, August when she won gold in the girls 3000 metres in 11:29.0 minutes at the HFC Bank stadium.

The Tawava, Kadavu native won the first gold medal in Day Two of the 2022 Coca Cola Games.

The record is held by Mereseini Naidau of Nadarivatu High School; she had set the record in 2011.

Speaking to SUNsports Tuiloma said her first experience in 2019 motivated her to do well in this year’s Event 44.

“I first participated in the Coke games in 2019, then I was in the sub-junior grade, everything was new to me then,” Tuiloma said.

“I was scared and nervous - the atmosphere and the environment were just different.

“That was like a learning experience for me. I was awed with the competitiveness, the rivalry, the people, the noise were all new and nerve wrecking.

“Preparing to come this year, I was aware of what to expect.

“That experience helped in my preparation. I came this year confident that I will perform well.”

Tuiloma added that preparation was not easy as there were a lot of challenges.

“I had two months to prepare for this game and it was not easy because things were tough back in the islands,” she said.

“Sometimes I lost hope but I kept pushing myself to the limit. Some of my mates couldn’t make it here.

“I’m so happy to win this gold medal. It was my aim to come here and win gold for my friends and families and I have just that.

“I want to thank everyone for supporting me and I know they are watching from home and in the village.”

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