Roko Ilaisa Tabete, a rising athletics star and deputy head boy at International School Suva, is expanding his horizons by incorporating hurdles into his training alongside his main event, the 400-meter race. The 16-year-old from Matuku, Lau, has shown remarkable commitment to his sporting career from a young age, consistently representing his schools in the highly regarded Coca-Cola Games over the past five years.
Tabete’s athletic experience also includes international competition, where he represented Fiji in the 400 meters at the 2024 Oceania Games. Reflecting on this opportunity, he expressed how valuable it was, stating that it provided him with insights beyond national competitions. “I got to have a taste of the international competitions. It’s a much bigger upgrade compared to the national Coca-Cola Games. These experiences helped me improve my mindset as an athlete,” he shared.
Recently, his coach, Albert Miller, has introduced hurdles into Tabete’s regimen, a discipline that demands specific techniques and skills. Though the transition from flat sprinting to hurdling has its challenges, Tabete embraces the process and is excited about the techniques involved. “Hurdles is a unique experience compared to running flat,” he noted. “It’s been quite a challenge, but I’m up for it. I really enjoy the technique and skill involved.”
Currently, he utilizes hurdles primarily as a training tool to enhance his stamina and endurance for the 400 meters but sees the potential for it to become a competitive discipline in the future. “Right now, I’m using it as training for the 400 just so I can get up my stamina and endurance. But with my experience in hurdles so far, I think it’s probably one of my potentials to take up later on,” Tabete explained.
Although he has yet to win an individual gold medal, he was part of a record-breaking relay team in the Suva 1 zone last year, setting benchmarks in the process. Driven by his ambitions and past experiences, Tabete is hopeful for the upcoming season, aiming for a gold medal or a top-three placement.
His journey illustrates the dynamic nature of athletic development, emphasizing how embracing new challenges, such as hurdles, can yield significant benefits and provide a competitive edge on both national and international stages. With a bright future ahead, Roko Ilaisa Tabete’s commitment to his craft and willingness to adapt serve as a source of inspiration for young athletes everywhere.