Story by: Athletics Fiji (12/06/2025)
With a powerful blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned experience, the Fiji Athletics team is poised to make a significant impact at the 12th Pacific Mini Games, to be held in Koror, Palau, from June 29th to July 9th, 2025. The 33-member squad, part of a larger 186-strong Team Fiji contingent, carries the nation’s hopes, embodying a new era for Fijian athletics with a firm eye on both immediate success and long-term development.
A Team Forged in Excellence
The selection for the athletics team reflects a dynamic shift in Fiji’s sporting landscape, with a notable infusion of talent from the fiercely competitive Coca-Cola Games. This youth movement is exemplified by the inclusion of rising stars who have already made headlines on the national stage. Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School’s standout middle-distance runner, Gladness Simpson, and record-breaking sprinter, Sera Nasilivata, are among the exciting new faces set to make their international debut.
They are joined by a cohort of other impressive young athletes, including Adi Ceva Lutumailagi of Natabua High School, Loata Lewageena of Ratu Sukuna Memorial School, and Marist Brothers High School’s Frederico Miller. These athletes represent the future of Fijian track and field, their selection a testament to their hard work and the success of Fiji’s premier secondary schools’ athletics competition in nurturing top-tier talent.
Guided by Experience
This injection of youth is balanced by the steadying presence of experienced campaigners who have already proven themselves on the regional stage. The team will look to the leadership of seasoned athletes like Waisake Tewa, Waisele Inoke, and Heleina Young to guide the new generation. Their experience in handling the pressures of international competition will be invaluable to the team’s overall performance. The squad also includes long-distance champion Yeshnil Karan and 2023 Pacific Games gold medalist Rusiate Matai, who will be defending his title in the high jump.
A Vision for the Future
The approach for this year’s Games extends beyond the immediate goal of winning medals. Athletics Fiji head coach, Fesaitu Mario, has emphasized a long-term vision for the sport, viewing the Pacific Mini Games as a crucial stepping stone towards future international success at events like the Commonwealth Games and the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. This forward-thinking strategy underscores the importance of nurturing the young talent within the squad and providing them with the exposure and experience needed to compete at the highest level.
A Legacy of Success
Fiji has a proud history in athletics at the Pacific Games and the Pacific Mini Games, consistently being a dominant force in the region. The nation’s athletes have a legacy of excellence to uphold, and the current team is eager to add its own chapter to this storied history. With a well-balanced squad, a strategic vision for the future, and the unwavering support of the nation, the Fiji Athletics team is well-equipped to make their mark in Palau.
As the team makes its final preparations before departing for Palau, the nation watches with anticipation, confident that this group of athletes will represent Fiji with pride, passion, and a determination to succeed.