- 2016 Highlights
Personal Statement
Swimming has been a major part of my life for the past eight years. It has opened up doors in terms of allowing me to travel to other parts of the world to compete at international meets as a national representative; as well as allowed me to appreciate various cultures and diversity groups.
Through the sport, I have discovered what hard work and dedication in the water can bring in terms of results and how goal setting can help one stay focused and on the right track.
Growing up in Fiji, I have adopted a laid-back approach to life and a friendly demeanour that my country is renowned for. Fiji is also an ethnically and culturally diverse country with a rich and complex political history. These elements have exposed me to a number of challenges and enabled me to step up and take on whatever challenges life has to offer.
Commitment, dedication to excellence, respect and tolerance are key values which have been instilled in me by parents and coach. These principles have shaped who i am. My parents have also emphasised the importance of balancing sports and education as a means to building character and leadership. Equally important, i have also come to understand the importance of emotional intelligence and how it is key in navigating your personal and professional journey in life.
From a sports perspective, Fiji is known as a rugby loving nation therefore swimming (and most water related sports) are considered minority sports. This means that there is limited funding opportunities available to develop the sport and swimmers. We won our first medal at a Summer Olympics in Rio this year and it was a Gold Medal. Interestingly, with the recent gold medal win with our rugby 7's team at the Rio Olympics this year, it is evident that despite limited resources available to developing countries like Fiji, with the right leadership and commitment, anything is possible. In the same vein, i know that given the opportunity, i will be able to excel in both my swimming and academic pursuits.
In terms of medium term goals, i have set myself an academic and sports action plan for the next 5-6 years and with the right programme, i am determined to achieve these goals. I have been fortunate to have represented my country on a junior national team to the Junior Pan Pacifics in 2014 and met then up and coming swimmers like Paul Powers and Townley Haas. I also got to meet Aaron Piersol world record holder in the 200 Back my favourite event. This has inspired me to work towards Tokyo 2020 Olympics and making the Fiji Team roster.
