Jone Delai is one of Fiji’s most outstanding athletes and the only Fijian sprinter to qualify under the ‘A’ standard for any Olympic Games. He was born in Naidrodro, Ba and was a member of the Ba Athletics Association before joining the Suva Athletics Association.

Jone first represented Fiji at the 1990 Oceania Athletics Championships held in Suva where he won Bronze in the 100m in a time of 10.92s.

His list of achievements include the following:

• 1991 – South Pacific Games, PNG: 100m Bronze, 4x100m Relay Silver
• 1993 – South Pacific Mini Games, Vanuatu: 100m Gold, 200m Gold, 4x100m Relay Gold, 4x400m Relay Gold
• 1994 – Oceania Championships, Auckland: 100m 10.63s Gold, 200m 21.55s Gold
• 1995 – South Pacific Games, Tahiti: 100m 10.34s Gold, 200m 21.20s Gold, 4x400m Relay Gold, 4x100m Relay Silver
• 1996 – Olympic Games Atlanta: 100m 10.42s 4th in Heat 10; 4x100m Relay 5th in Heat 3
• 1997 – South Pacific Mini Games, Pago Pago: 10.52s Gold, 4x100m Relay 40.15s Gold
• 1997 – Stockton, USA – 100m 10.26s** National Fiji Record
• 1997 – World Athletics Championships: 100m 10.32s Heats, 10.47 1/4 finals
• 1998 – Commonwealth Games, Kuala Lumpur: 100m 10.51s 6th 1/4 final, 200m 21.74s 7th 1/4 final, 4x100m Relay 6th in heats
• 1999 – South Pacific Games, Guam: 4x100m Relay Gold 40.48s, 100m Bronze 10.79s
• 2003 – SPG, Fiji: 100m Silver 10.90s, 4x100m Relay 41.03s Silver
• 2005 – SP Mini Games, Paula: 100m 10.73s Silver, 4x100m Relay 41.97s Silver
• 2006 – Commonwealth Games, Melbourne: 100m 10.8s 4th Heat 6
• 2007 – SPG, Apia: 100m 10.66s Gold, 4x100m Relay 40.60s Gold

For his outstanding performances, the ‘Pacific King of Sprints’ was named Sportsman of the Year in 1993, recognizing his 4-Gold medal haul at the South Pacific Mini Games held in Vanuatu and again in 1995 for his hat trick of 3 Gold medals and 1 Silver at the South Pacific Games in Tahiti.

At the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta Jone proudly led the Fiji Team as its flagbearer.

Jone’s 100m South Pacific Games record of 10.34s set in Tahiti in 1995 stood for almost 20 years, narrowly being beaten at the 2013 Pacific Mini Games by Banuve Tabakaucoro in a time of 10.33s.

Seventeen years on, Jone’s 100m 10.26s time set in the USA in 1997 is still a Fiji National Record yet to be broken.

Now in retirement, -, Jone is putting back into his sport as a coachand has guided many of Fiji’s top sprinters including Lepani Naivalu, Fiji’s first Olympic Medalist at the 2010 Singapore Youth Olympic Games. In 2010 Jone won the Fiji Sports Coach of the Year and was subsequently nominated and won the Pacific Games Coach of the Year in the same year. Currently Jone is the Suva Grammar School Athletics Coach and has travelled as coach with many athletic teams to Oceania Championships and South Pacific Games. He is on the Athletics Coaching Team to the PNG Pacific Games in 2015.

For his outstanding achievements in Athletics over a span of 17 years, FASANOC is proud to induct JONE DELAI into the Fiji Sports Hall of Fame for the year 2014.

Binesh is a legend in the middle and long distance 5,000m, 10,000m, half marathon and marathon, running of Fiji. He is the only athlete that has participated and won medals for Fiji, at regional competitions, from 4x400meters to the Marathon as well as being the only Fiji athlete to have won a Gold Medal in marathon, at any (major) Pacific Games.

Binesh still holds National Fiji Records for Marathon and Half-Marathon. The marathon record of 2:23.3s is still almost 10 minutes faster than any other person in Fiji and has stood for 24 years since 1989. His half-marathon record of 1:07.6s has stood since 1993.

Binesh represented Fiji at two Olympic Games: Seoul 1988 and Barcelona 1992; two Commonwealth Games 1982 Brisbane and 1986 Edinburgh; 4 South Pacific Games 1983-1995 (Gold, 2 Silver, 2 Bronze); two South Pacific Mini Games 1985 and 1993 (2 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze); Oceania Championships in 1994 (3 Gold); two World Road Championships, 2 World Cross Country Championships and one World Cup Marathon between 1987 to 1993.

He was a great influence and inspiration, through his achievements and persona to the running boom in Fiji, during the 1980’s and 1990’s. He was one of the three founders of the Striders Athletic Club that challenged the status quo and the stereotyped sporting systems in Fiji. The club, went on to organise its own events and fundraising – the Sun Striders Road Series, Round Viti Levu Relays, Round Ovalau Relay and the Hibiscus Mile, to name a few.

The great successes of Athletics Fiji, in reversing the domination of New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea was largely due to tremendous courage, desire, determination, commitment, leadership and vision of two athletes Binesh Prasad and compatriot Semi Vuetibau. (no success story of Binesh Prasad will be complete without Semi Vuetibau, as the two were inseparable on and off the competition arena).

Binesh was a mentor and example to other younger athletes. He hosted athletes from out of town at his house in Suva at his own expense and later Fiji teams to international meets at his residence in USA, sometimes for very long periods of time.

Binesh was popular with all the stakeholders in FIJI and a great ambassador for Fiji in the regional and international world. Binesh is married to another running legend, Nadia Prasad (nee Bernard), who was the Pacific’s all-time leading middle and long–distance athlete. . Binesh is currently, one of the top massage therapists in the world, living in the running Mecca of the world – Boulder Colorado, where he continues to spread the culture and information on the attractions of Fiji.

Since retiring from competitive running, Binesh helped coach his wife to the 1996 Olympics and a French National record for the Half Marathon at 1hr 9 minutes and 5 seconds. He also coaches the high school track team in Longmont, Colorado.

Binesh Prasad has been and will always be a great asset and ambassador for FIJI. FASANOC was proud to induct BINESH PRASAD into the Fiji Sports Hall of Fame for the year 2013.

This young sportsman qualifies in every category of criteria for the Fiji Hall of Fame award that states to be eligible for nomination an athlete must:

• have retired from his/her sport for at least 5 years from the date of induction;
• be a Fiji citizen and/or achieved distinction as a Fiji Representative OR
• An athlete who by his/her sheer performance achieves international status and recognition shall be eligible for induction…….

His international and regional achievements are very impressive and include winning:

• Gold medals at the Arafura Games in 2007, 2009 and 2011
• The FESPIC Games in 2006, and
• The Habafaki Track/Field event in Japan in 2000.

Although not retired from his sport, Iliesa has, by his sheer performance achieved international status and recognition in his sport, Class F42 (single leg amputee without prosthesis) High Jump. In 2011, his Silver Medal win in the International Paralympic Committee’s World Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand, earned him not only a No. 2 ranking in the world but also qualified him for participation at the 2012 London Paralympic Games.

It set the stage for Iliesa’s debut at a Paralympic Games and there was none better than London 2012 for him to step into the limelight.

By jumping 1.74m Iliesa won Gold at the highest international level of competition – the London 2012 Paralympic Games. This historic jump was Fiji’s and Oceania’s first ever gold medal at the Paralympics with a new Oceania Record also established. FASANOC expresses gratitude to Digicel who assisted Iliesa Delana to realize his dream of Gold at the Paralympic Games.

Iliesa is a humble man who has worked hard and tirelessly to achieve excellence. As a role model for all Fijians and a light of hope for those with disabilities while exemplifying the highest human qualities FASANOC is delighted to induct Digicel’s Ambassador Iliesa Delana into the Fiji Sports Hall of Fame for his exceptional performance at the 2012 Paralympic Games.

Tony was an extremely talented and successful athlete of the 1970s excelling particularly in the long jump, 100m and 200m over his athletics career, representing Fiji at the South Pacific Games, the Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games.

In 1971 Tony became the Fiji National Champion in three disciplines – long jump, 100m and 200m – a crown that he wore through to 1974 and probably would have continued to wear, had he not moved to Australia in 1975.

Tony’s name has been in the Long Jump record books for many years. His Personal Best performance came at the Commonwealth Games in 1974 in Christchurch, New Zealand. Tony’s qualifying Long Jump of 7.65m was a South Pacific record, which remained intact for 25 years, a Fiji National record, which remained for an even more staggering 29 years, and also earned him a spot in the finals. He unfortunately sprained his ankle on the first jump of the final and was carried from the track on a stretcher.

The following year, Tony won Gold in the Long Jump at the 1975 South Pacific Games in Guam with a jump of 7.36m. In poor, wet conditions, Tony somehow managed an impressive leap which set a SPG record that stood for 12 years.

Tony went on to represent Fiji at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games in four events – the 100m, 200m, 400m and Long Jump, reaching the quarter finals in the 200m. He was also chosen to serve as the Chef de Mission for the Games, at just 24 years of age.

Tony retired from competitive athletics in 1977, but his involvement in sport has continued. In 2000 he had the “truly amazing experience” of participating in the Olympic Torch Relay. He continues to speak about sport and the Olympic Movement at schools, hospitals, nursing homes and service clubs and throughout his athletic career Tony demonstrated the Olympic Values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect. In 2008 his interest in writing saw him inducted into the Art of the Olympians museum in Florida, USA as the Museum’s inaugural poet.

For his outstanding achievements in Athletics, FASANOC is proud to induct TONY MOORE into the FIJI SPORTS HALL OF FAME in 2009

Albert Miller is arguably one of the Greatest Fiji Athletes ever. This can be supported by the fact that he was the South Pacific Decathlon Champion for three successive Games with silver to back it up at his fourth Games, with record breaking performances.

Albert won this event in 1983 Samoa Games, with a total of 6870 points, then again in New Caledonia in 1987 with 7019 points and then in Port Moresby in 1991 with 7265, with a silver in Tahiti, in 1995.
His performances in the region have not been matched for over 24 years and Albert continues to hold the National Record, South Pacific Games Record and the South Pacific Best performance in Decathlon.

Albert represented Fiji at the Commonwealth Games in 1986 in Edinburgh, where he finished in 10th place overall, against top Decathletes like the then World and Olympic Champion and Record Holder Daley Thomson. Albert was also a member of the most successful Fiji relay team ever in the 4 X 100m which finished 4th at the Edinburgh Commonwealth Games.
Albert participated at 3 Olympic Games, with very competitive results. In 1984 – did not finish due to injury sustained during the competition; 1988 – Seoul with 7016 points in 32nd place and then in 1992 in 24th place with 6971 points.

Although Albert was renowned for his exploits in the Decathlon, he was also as competitive in the 110m hurdles. He has won two silvers and a bronze medal in the 110m hurdles during the 1983, 1987, and 1991 South Pacific Games.
In 1983 Albert competed in the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Div II National Championships, in the USA while representing California State University of Sacramento (CSUS) where all the top athletes in the sport of Track and Field from throughout the USA competed. Albert finished 3rd overall with a score of 7455pts, establishing a new South Pacific best score and a new record for the California State University of Sacramento. Due to his success at the 1983 NCAA Championships, Albert was inducted into the Sacramento University Hall of Fame and was also the recipient of NCAA All American award.

Albert has dedicated 24 years of his life representing Fiji and assisting in the development of the sport of Athletics. He is currently the Hon Secretary of Athletics in Fiji. In recognition of his unequalled performances and commitment to Athletics, FASANOC is proud to induct ALBERT MILLER into the FIJI SPORTS HALL OF FAME.

Joseph Rodan first represented Fiji in Athletics at a South Pacific Games in Guam in 1975 and continued representation for sixteen years at the following South Pacific and Mini Games.

• 1975 SPG Guam – Gold 400m Hurdles
• 1979 SPG Fiji – Gold 4x400m Relay, Silver 400m Hurdles
• 1981 SPMG Solomon Islands – Gold 4x400m Relay, Silver 400m Hurdles
• 1983 SPG Samoa – 2 Golds 400m Hurdles, 400m, Silver 4x400m Relay
• 1985 SPMG Cook Islands – Gold 400m Hurdles, Silver 110m Hurdles
• 1987 SPG New Caledonia – Gold 4x400m Relay
• 1989 SPMG Tonga
• 1991 SPG PNG

His events ranged from 100m, 200m, 400m, 110m and 400m Hurdles to Member of the 4x100m and 4x400m Relay Teams.

For his success at the 1983 SPG in Apia in winning 2 Gold Medals in the 400m and 400m Hurdles Joseph was nominated and won the prestigious Fiji Sportsman of the Year award.

In 1982 he was selected to represent Fiji at the Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, and two years later at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. He was a member of the Fiji Athletics Team to the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1986 and also competed in the 400m Hurdles event at the Olympic Games in 1988 in Seoul, Korea.

Throughout his successful and competitive years Joseph amassed 14 Gold, 9 Silver and 5 Bronze SPG, Oceania Athletic and Veteran Athletic medals.

Upon retiring from competition this athlete turned to coaching and has accompanied Athletic Teams to the 1997 SPG in American Samoa, 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, 1999 SPG in Guam, Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester and the successful Athletics Team at this years SPG in Suva.

As a 17 year old in 1955 this young athlete became a Junior Javelin Champion. He then took to the tracks and became an 800m,1500m, 3000m and 10,000m steeplechase Fiji Champion. In 1963 at the inaugural South Pacific Games hosted by Fiji at the age of 25 years he won a silver medal in the 3000m event. The highlight of these Games however was when he brought the 3000 crowd to its feet with excitement in the 10,000m. At the start of the grueling ordeal, 25 laps in hot sunshine on a track still soft from the recent rain, this young man’s running plan was apparent. The field was well strung out and on the 17th lap he moved into second place. There were some anxious moments for Fiji as the end drew near with 300m to go. The Gilbert and Ellice Islanders decided to make his final effort putting on a great spurt and drew near 20m ahead of the Fiji athlete. This was a signal for Fiji’s running plan to the accompaniment of wild shouts from Fiji supporters, as he also took off the breaks. For several seconds it looked as if his opponent had the gold but with an amazing burst of speed, this Fiji runner drew level and then passes him breaking the tape 30m in front of the Gilbert and Ellice Island to win gold for Fiji.

This athlete also represented Fiji at the 1966 and 1969 South Pacific Games as well as the Commonwealth Games in 1974, in Christchurch, New Zealand. Upon retiring he ventured into Veterans athletics and continued his winning streak winning a gold medal in the hammer throw and bronze in the javelin at the 7 Oceania Veterans Championships in 1994.

This senior athlete founded the Ra, Ba and Vatukoula Athletic Associations and managed and coached many athletic teams to various overseas events including South Pacific, Oceania and World Championships. He was President of the Fiji Amateur Athletics Federation in 1970, 75 and 76 and is the current President since he re-election in 1995.

As a young child in Nadroga, the 1998 inductee used to be seen hurling sticks or throwing stones. This humble beginning blossomed into a full – blown career in athletic field events, specialising in discus and javelin.

This athletic career saw a span from secondary school athletics representing Adi Cakobau School to regionally and international meets, representing Fiji in six South Pacific Games, two Commonwealth Games and two World Athletics Championships.=

This athlete has a very impressive record which includes:

• South Pacific Games
  • 1969 Papua New Guinea discus – silver javelin – silver
  • 1975 Guam discus – bronze javelin – gold
  • 1979 Fiji javelin – gold
  • 1983 Samoa discus – silver javelin – silver
  • 1987 New Caledonia javelin – gold
  • 1991 Papua New Guinea discus – bronze
• Commonwealth Games
  • 1974 New Zealand discus -11th javelin – 7th
  • 1982 Australia discus – 9th javelin – 8th

During the 1983 National Athlete Championships in Suva, she set a Fiji record of 47.76 metres in the discus and in the 1987, again in Suva, set a javelin recode of 53.18 metres. Both records still stand at the time of her induction.

This outstanding athlete retires from Athletics in 1991 after 22 years of being the best athlete in the South Pacific Islands in her chosen discipline, having won 3 gold, 4 silver and 2 bronze medals during her period.

Miriama Tuisorisori represented Fiji in Athletics at the 1969, 1971 and 1975 South Pacific Games where she won 6 gold, 3 silver and 4 bronze medals. She then went to represent Fiji at the Commonwealth Games in New Zealand in 1974 and that the 1976 Olympic Games in the Pentathlon and Hurdles events. The 1984 Olympic Games saw her participate in the 100 metres and 200 metres. As well as representing the country of her birth, Fiji, she was also worthy of selection to the New Zealand Athletics Team at the 1978 Commonwealth Games. Miriama married and moved to Noumea where she represented New Caledonia at the 1979 and 1983 South Pacific and Mini Games winning 5 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze as well as representing France in the World Cup and European Championships from 1979 – 1995.

During her sporting career of more that 26 years Miriama broke South Pacific Games and Fiji records in almost all events she participated in: long jump, hurdles, pentathlon, 100 metres, 200 metres and high jump. The long jump records she set at the 1979 south Pacific Games of 5.76 metres still stands at the time of her induction.

That is the caliber of this fine and outstanding sportswoman who is undoubtedly worthy of being inducted into the prestigious Hall of Fame

Viliame Liga was the dominant force in javelin in Fiji for 20 years and was one of the region’s greatest Javelin throwers in the 60’s and early 70’s. His National Record of 72.09 metres, set in 1966, stood for more than 20 years, and may well still be standing, were it not for a change in the javelin in 1988.

Liga took part in the first South Pacific Games held in Suva in 1963, winning Fiji bronze medal in javelin. In 1966 he won a silver at South Pacific Games held in Noumea, than a bronze each in javelin and discus during the 1966 Games in Papua New Guinea, and in 1971 placed forth in the javelin during the Tahiti Games. Liga also participated in the high jump and hammer in South Pacific Games level, emphasising the all – round nature of his athletic talent.

Liga represented Fiji at the 1954 and 1958 Empire Games and the 1962 Commonwealth Games, placing in the top eight in each case, and in 1968 he represented Fiji at the Olympic Games in Mexico City.

Viliame Liga’s record is evidence that he was one of the greatest athletes Fiji has ever produced. After his retirement in 1975, he continued to provide advice and encouragement to young athletes, and was a tower of strength to athletics in Fiji. Liga passes away in Brisbane in 1986 at the age of 54.