Vatunisolo Ranked Top In Shot Put, Javelin

Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Naibili Vatunisolo is ranked Number One in the women’s Class F42 in shot put and javelin and Number Two in discus throw in the latest World Para Athletics Rankings.

The world ranking has boosted Vatunisolo’s preparation for the three internationals she is preparing for next year.

Vatunisolo, 31, had won the bronze in the Com­monwealth Games para-women’s discus throw in the F42-44/61-/64 category.

The Fijian’s third round attempt of 23.70m was her furthest throw that sealed the medal. The throw was her new personal best and also placed her second on the world ranking.

Fiji had bagged four medals - two silver (women and men’s sevens) and two bronze (weightlifter Taniela Rainibogi and Vatunisolo) at the Com­monwealth.

First up now for Vatunisolo is the Oceania Championship in Australia in March, followed by the World Champions in France and then the Pacific Games in the Solomons.

“The latest ranking is encouraging; although there are not many competitors in the F42 cat­egory; to be top in the world in shot put and jave­lin has made me work harder,” Vatunisolo said yesterday from Nausori.

“I am now training three days a week; and I am grateful to our sponsors Fiji Airways, Asco Mo­tors and Fiji Water for the bus fare and the other little expenses."

“It is usually after every major sport events like the Commonwealth that they collate all the re­sults then put up the ranking."

“For Fiji to be ranked on top is something be­cause compared to other countries we the para-athletes here are not as exposed and supported.”

On the World Para Athletics Rankings Vatuni­solo tops the women shot put following her gold­en 7.42 metre throw in June at the Pacific Mini Games in Saipan, Northern Marianas.

Her record 17.26m javelin throw was at the Saipan Games.

She is ranked Number Two in the discus throw behind Goodness Nwachukwa of Nigeria whose best throw is 33.35m, third is Gulderay Kaburova of Kazakhstan, 19.39m.

Vatunisolo has been flag bearer twice; the first at Darwin during the 2019 Arafua Games and the second at the Edinburgh Games.

The Balenabelo, Koroinasau, Nadroga woman following her ranking said: “I’m super excited; it has made me more determined as I prepare for the three Games next year.”

For Vatunisolo, her competing as a para athlete was the result of a twist in fate back in 2012 fol­lowing an operation to her left leg.

After the operation Vatunisolo could not bend her left knee and could not continue playing the sport she loves, netball.

Feedback: karalaini.waqanidrola@fijisun.com.fj