Former Fiji Va'a junior paddlers Andrew Peters and Tomasi Andrea delivered impressive performances at the 2026 European Va'a Open Men's 500-metre Sprint Championships held at Dorney Lake in London.
Peters, a product of Tafaga's junior development programme, claimed the European Va'a Championship title, earning a gold medal and the distinction of European Champion.
Fellow former Fiji junior representative and Tafaga teammate Tomasi Andrea also delivered a strong performance, finishing fifth overall against Europe's best paddlers.
Tafaga Outrigger Canoe Club says both athletes began their paddling journeys through the club's junior development pathway before pursuing careers in the British Army, where they are currently based in England.
The club says their success on the international stage reflects years of dedication, discipline and commitment to the sport.
Tafaga Outrigger Canoe Club President Mark Acraman says the achievement demonstrates the value of investing in youth development, with Peters and Andrea proving that Fiji can develop world-class athletes through strong grassroots programmes.
He says their achievements inspire current paddlers and reinforce the club's commitment to junior development and high-performance pathways.
The championships were held at Dorney Lake, London, United Kingdom, from 15th to 17th May 2026.
The club also acknowledged the support of families, coaches, teammates and the wider Fiji Va'a community who contributed to the athletes' development over many years.
It says that as Fiji continues to build its presence on the international Va'a stage, the success of Peters and Andrea serves as a reminder that the nation's future champions are being developed through local clubs and community programmes today.
Following in the footsteps of Peters and Andrea, the club also celebrated the achievements of Anna Morris, a 15-year-old student from Suva, who is currently ranked number one in Fiji's open women's sprint and marathon categories in the 2026 local regatta series.
Tafaga Outrigger Canoe Club congratulated the athletes on their remarkable achievements and wished them continued success in both their paddling and military careers.
