Teen Looks To Pursue Olympic Dream

The opportunity to represent Fiji at the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane, Australia is what drives 17 year old Elijah Qiokata who is participating in a New Zealand Invitation Boxing team vs Fiji team tournament at the Commander Stan Brown Boxing Gym, Walu Bay in Suva.

The Gospel High school student just completed his Fiji School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) examination and rushed to participate at the tournament currently underway.

"I want to follow my grandfathers legacy in the sport and hopefully take it a step further and represent Fiji at the Olympics," he said.

"That journey began in 2020 when my grandfather and coach Marika Bolavucu encouraged me to try the sport.

"Ever since than I have never looked back and I've enjoyed every aspect of the sport."

Marika Bolavucu is a former middle weight amateur boxer who has represented Fiji in the sport.

"I understand the sacrifices of the sport and in order to achieve my dream of being an Olympian I have to take part in many tournaments and hopefully get the opportunity to just get better," Elijah said.

Elijah who represents the Wailoku Riverside Boxing Club said he was fortunate to have a supportive family who understood the demands of the sport.

"It hasn't been easy to balance school work and boxing, but time management has been my best attribute as my coach also encourages me to give my 100 per cent when in school and 100 per cent when in the gym," he said.

Meanwhile National Coach Cameron Todd said the tournament has been an eye opener for many of our boxers participating for the first time in a tournament like this.

"We have had a few good fighters that I will be looking at later and hopefully prepare for future tournaments," he said.

The tournament continues tomorrow 9th December and everyone is welcome to come and enjoy some of Fiji's future talent in the sport of boxing take on the future of New Zealand boxing from 12pm.

pic: Elijah (in green) helps out a teammate prepare for his bout