Overcoming the challenges of managing more than 50 swimmers with only two teachers and travelling from Nadi to Suva for competition, Swami Vivekananda College emerged as one of the top-performing schools at the National Age Group Swimming Championships.
Years of sacrifice and hard work ended in joy and relief for the school after the team claimed gold in the boys' division and silver in the girls' division.
Team manager Vika Bakewa says the result was deeply emotional, reflecting years of preparation, setbacks and determination that were finally rewarded on the national stage.
Bakewa says the victory was even more special as the boys had not won the title since 2022, while the girls' silver medal ended a long wait for a podium finish after years of dominance by rival schools.
She says the journey had been far from easy, with the biggest challenge being the cost and logistics of travelling from Nadi to Suva for competition.
However, she praised the school administration and principal for their unwavering support, including providing transport and assisting the team throughout their campaign, adding that without that backing, the team's participation and success would not have been possible.
Bakewa also acknowledged the strong role played by parents, saying their financial contributions and constant encouragement helped keep the swimmers focused throughout the championships.
She says parents were present daily during the championships, checking in on their children and supporting them in every way possible.
She adds that old scholars and members of the wider community also stepped in to assist, particularly given the challenge of having only two teachers manage a squad of more than 50 swimmers.
The team manager also highlighted that swimming at the school is a continuous process, with athletes already preparing for upcoming championships and working to defend and improve their performances next season.
She says the success has motivated the squad to push even harder, adding that the experience has strengthened both the swimmers and the support system behind them.
She adds that while celebrations will follow upon their return to Nadi, the focus remains on growth and maintaining standards going forward.
