New High For Kaiwalu
Malakai Kaiwalu raised the bar to another level yesterday. Gold medallist in high jump at the 2017 Pacific Mini Games and Oceania Championship, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture at the Fiji National University graduation.
Four years of sacrifice and dedication has finally paid off for the Taunovo, Vatulele native.
He had to delay his graduation to compete in athletics for Fiji and yesterday was icing on the cake for the 23 year old.
“I’m happy and can relax now after four years struggling to cope,” Kaiwalu said. “I would have graduated earlier in the year but I was busy with my training for athletics competitions and winning gold for my country.”
Kaiwalu dedicated his achievement to God and his mother Liviana Waqa Kaiwalu for her endless support.
“I want to thank God for the wisdom and knowledge that he has given me in allowing me to complete my studies, juggling sports and my studies.
“I also want to dedicate this achievement to Na (mother) for her everlasting support and also my uncle Mosese Korovou and his wife Milika Korovou for being my guidance during my four years of study in Suva. “When I left Ba in 2014 and to stay with my family members and relatives,” he added. He has set his next focus on Pacific Games in Samoa in June next year.
“I will continue training and aim to make the cut for the Pacific Games squad.” Kaiwalu who has maternal links to Nativi village in Ra made his debut during the 2016 Melanesian Games where he equalled the national record in the men’s high jump. He recorded 2.09metres in his second attempt.
He won gold at the 2017 Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu with a leap of 2.06m. He was also part of the Team Fiji athletics squad to the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games where his best jump was 2.06m.