Pleasant surprise for Maia

Maia Ramsden won the fi rst gold medal for International Secondary School on Day Two of the 2016 Coca- Cola Games at the ANZ Stadium, Suva yesterday. Ramsden won the Open girls 1500 metres clocking a time of 4:55:16 minutes ahead of Mereseini Naidau from Jasper Williams (5:11:16) and Ita Senitarawau of Ballantine Memorial School (5:11:26). The daughter of New Zealand High Commissioner Mark Ramsden, the 14-year-old from Wellington said the win was a pleasant surprise. “To be honest winning gold was something I was not expecting because there are so many great runners in this event,” Ramsden said. “It has been really amazing though because I feel like this is my reward for all the hard work I have put in with my coach Fesaitu Mario. “Last year I came fourth when I ran the 800 metres and I made it my aim to improve myself and come back stronger and better this year and I feel like I did that.” Running in the prestigious Coca-Cola Games, Ramsden said she aims to get good enough so she can one day fulfil her dream of running for her home country New Zealand. “Running is something I love doing and really enjoy and being able to run in the Coke Games is a huge challenge for me because there are so many talented runners,” she said. “My ultimate dream is to represent New Zealand so I want to continue taking part in athletics here and improve each day. “Working with my coach has been amazing and he is really good and knows what he is doing and pushes me to do better.” Ramsden dedicated the win to everyone who helped and supported her. Edited by Osea Bola