Vonolagi stuns favourites in sprint

Eighteen-year-old Paula Vonolagi of Suva Grammar School has won the senior boys’ 200 metres final at the HFC Bank National Stadium in Suva.

Vonolagi produced a classic performance, edging favourite Jone Raibevu of Queen Victoria School (QVS) to claim gold in a tightly contested race.

Vonolagi said it was a tough competition in the Fiji Finals this year.

“Firstly, I would like to thank the Almighty God for giving me strength and power. It was a tough race between me and Raibevu from QVS,” he said.

Vonolagi said despite the strong challenge from his rival, he managed to hold on for victory.

He said his main focus now is the Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin, Australia.

“My main focus now is my preparation for the Oceania Athletics Championships. I will try to improve on my performance here at the Coke Games and learn from it,” he said.

Vonolagi clocked 22.38 seconds, narrowly missing the 200m record of 21.70s set by Banuve Tabakaucoro in 2009.

Raibevu settled for silver in 22.39s, while Asalusi Raloka of Xavier College took bronze in 22.75s.