Women In Sports: Standing Firm In A Man’s World
“As a woman, I feel they have authority over you even though you are in that position to make that decision and sometimes it becomes overwhelming.”
Saturday 15 February 2020 | 12:12
Kristine Lilidamu Taufaga always had the urge in helping people achieve what they wanted.
This is why she chose a career in physiotherapy and is now a fulltime employee of the Fiji Rugby Union.
She has been on tour with Fiji Airways Fiji 7s team, Fijian Drua, Fijian Warriors, Under-20 and U18s.
The Narikoso, Ono, Kadavu native found her forte when she took part in a school athletics competition at 17.
The now 27-year-old was inspired by prominent local physiotherapists Cathy Wong and Kitiana Chute.
“In primary school, I had an interest in medicine and wanted to become a doctor and that didn’t work out,” Taufaga said.
“My interest in physiotherapy started when I was in Year 12 and it grew from there.
“I had seen physiotherapists on television and being inspired by Cathy, Kitiana and other women that have established private practice.”
Kristine Taufaga with husband Jone Manu (left) and sons Jeremiah (front) and Jone Jnr
She said being part of the national teams has been an opportunity of a lifetime and she would not trade it for anything else.
“It comes down to passion, coming into the field with sports environment, you take a lot of challenges and time constraints and a lot of involvement on the field,” Taufaga said.
“If you don’t have the passion you won’t last.
“So I encourage a lot of women to read about it and being physiotherapy in this particular sport.”
When it comes down to having a career and a fulltime job, Taufaga said women will need to study and work hard to achieve their goals.
“That was what pushed me in completing my studies, taking care of my family and settling down,” she added.
“That is why I am encouraging other women who wish to pursue their dream job to study hard and they will achieve what they wanted.”
Edited by Osea Bola
Feedback: karalaini.tavi@fijisun.com.fj
