Shiri Chand 'Mushroom'
Taitusi Sokiveta, Arizona, USA
Congratulations to Shiri Chand Mushroom!
For at the age of 67, he is still running long distance. He brings back memories.
Many of whom he ran with have passed on. In 1970, I ran in the 4x400 metres in the Suva Zone Fiji InterSecondary Schools Athletics meets at Buckhurst Park, representing Saraswati College. We came fourth. On Saturdays, we had athletics meets at Buckhurst Park and that’s the first time I saw Shiri Chand 'Mushroom'. He was always running the long distance events and was very dedicated to the 5000 and 10,000 metres events back then.
It was Kalivate Raciri Uto, the running mate of Usaia Sotutu, and Samu Yavala of Lautoka dominating the 400 metres, Torika Varo of Nadi Women’s in the 100 and 200 metres, Bula Tora in the long jump event, while Eliki Nukutabu was the Fiji Secondary Schools Champion in the 100 and 200 metres and the first high school student to clock 11 seconds in the 100 metres. Between 1968 and 1970 Phillip Blake of Suva Grammar School dominated the 800 metres and was the Fiji Secondary School champion in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Shiri Chand 'Mushroom' was always at Buckhurst Park every Saturday running the 5000 metres or the 10,000 metres events.
Even if only two or three runners turned up for the long distance events Shri Chand 'Mushroom' would still run. Sometimes he ran by himself. That’s how dedicated he was to the long distance events.
Fiji will always be proud of you, Mr Shiri Chand 'Mushroom' for all your dedication to long distance running and winning all those medals for Fiji.
You are a wonderful example to all the youths of Fiji.