Paula Vonolagi stormed home to win gold for Suva Grammar School in the 100 metres Blue Ribbon final.
The son of former Fiji 7s player Sakeasi Vonolagi finished strongly with a time of 10.76 seconds.
Tension ran high among the athletes, with nerves evident after an initial false start.
A second false start led to the disqualification of a Grammar runner, but Vonolagi rose above the setback, winning the race for Grammar and restoring pride in the final.
In the Senior Girls’ 100 metres final, Lidia Waqairapoa secured gold for Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School in a time of 12.48 seconds.
Grammar’s Jolame Suguturaga delivered a powerful finish to claim gold in the Intermediate Boys 100 metres final.
In the Intermediate Girls’ category, Sera Nasilivata exploded off the blocks to win gold in style for MGM.
Kirikiti Biu took gold for Marist in the Junior Boys’ 100 metres event while Tarusila Naiyala of Jasper Williams High School won gold in the Junior Girls’ division.
Josese Murimurivalu of QVS defied the odds to win gold in the Sub-Junior Boys’ 100 metres final, recovering from a slow start with a strong finish.
The son of former Flying Fijians fullback Kini Murimurivalu, and a former Holy Trinity student, used his powerful long stride to secure the gold medal.
In the Sub-Junior Girls’ category, Sainimere Mole won gold for MGM.
18-year-old Ratu Apenisa Navukitu won the gold medal for Lelean Memorial School in the Senior Boys Long Jump at the 2026 Coca-Cola Games, with a jump of 6.96 metres.
Originally from Navolau, Ra, Navukitu dedicated his award to his parents, who have supported him throughout his journey.
He also dedicated his win to his coaches, friends and his school.
The third eldest among four siblings told fijivillage News that he could not believe it when officials told him that he had won his event.
He said one of his biggest challenges was balancing his school studies with training.
Meanwhile, Queen Victoria School’s Mosese Koroitunidau won silver with 6.95 metres, while Marist Brothers High School’s Frederico Miller claimed bronze with 6.69 metres.
Miller, who was showing impressive form, was only able to take two jumps due to a hamstring injury.
Meanwhile, the 2026 Coca-Cola Games will continue tomorrow at HFC Bank Stadium.
Makelesi Lailai of Vaturova High School delivered an outstanding performance to claim gold in the Junior Girls 400 metres final at the Coca-Cola Games in Suva.
The Year 10 student overcame significant challenges in her journey to the podium, having trained on a grass track in her village, a stark contrast to the synthetic surface at the national competition.
Despite the unfamiliar conditions, Lailai said she rose to the occasion, showcasing determination and composure to secure victory in one of the meet’s most competitive events.
She said her triumph was not only a personal milestone but also a proud moment for Vaturova High School and her community, highlighting the resilience of athletes from rural areas.
Lailai also acknowledged the vital support system behind her success, expressing gratitude to her family and teachers.
She said she was grateful to have had her teachers train them for the competition.
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