Sprinter Wary of Challengers

The defending Coca-Cola Games senior boy’s 100 metres champion knows of the bigger challenge that is before him.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, Suva Grammar School’s Semesa Caginivalu said that he still needs to work harder.

This was after he won the senior boy’s 100m final of the Suva Zone 2 competition at the HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, yesterday.

“A lot of athletes will also want to win that gold medal,” Caginivalu said.

He said the need for him to train harder because of the massive challenge to win a second gold medal at the Coke Games.

Senior boy’s sprinters who have twice won the Coca-Cola Games 100m gold medal include the likes of Tilash Naidu, John Lum Kon, Banuve Tabakaucoro and the list goes on.

Caginivalu started training early this year and he was always grateful to his trainer and former national sprinter Jone Delai for his support and pushing him to the limits.

The senior girl’s 100m final was won by Iva Fifita of Suva Grammar School with an unofficial time of 12.78s.

Meanwhile, former Pacific sprint king Tabakaucoro called on Athletics Fiji to use the Coca-Cola Games to select the athletes they need for the upcoming championships.

Semesa Caginivalu (second from left) of Suva Grammar celebrate his senior boys 100meters final win during Suva Zone 2 at HFC Stadium on April 4, 2024. Photo:Ronald Kumar.

The 32-year-old who was at the Suva Zone 2, said there were scouts from other sports who were at the HFC Bank Stadium to identify talented athletes.

“This is great because it provides an opportunity for these kids to make it in life through other sports.

“Athletics Fiji should do their job to be here to look at the athletes they need.”

Tabakaucoro was impressed with the fast times recorded by the runners.

“The tracks must be good for the good times recorded today.

I’m looking forward to watch the other zones like the Triple N, Tailevu and the times recorded at the Lautoka Zone,” he said.

Feedback: ronaldk@fijisun.com.fj