quinta-feira, março 27, 2008

Nasiga sets sight on Olympic medal


Nasiga sets sight on Olympic medal
RODNEY DUTHIE

Thursday, March 27, 2008

SISILIA Nasiga believes she has a good chance of securing Fiji's first-ever medal at an Olympics Games when she competes at the world event in China later this year.
Nasiga becomes Fiji's second athlete behind runner Makelesi Bulikiobo to qualify for the Beijing Olympics.
The 28-year-old from Nasoqo Village in Wainimala, Naitasiri earned her ticket to Beijing after clinching the gold medal during the Oceania Judo Championships.
The South Pacific Games champion used the ippon - a highest score a fighter can achieve in Judo - on New Zealand's Maura Devilliers during the under-70 kilogram final.
She clinched the women's open gold and South Pacific Judo Championships under 70kg event.
This will be Nasiga's second trip to an Olympic Game after she competed in the 2004 games in Athens
"I'm happy. I think my preparations are much better compared to my last Olympic games," Nasiga said.
"And I'm fighting in my normal weight category. In 2004 I had to gain weight to compete in the over 74 category. I'm in better shape and looking forward to a better performance and possibly a medal for Fiji."
She dedicated her win to International Olympic Committee which gave her a scholarship which allowed her to prepare well.
Fiji Judo Association president Nacanieli Takayawa, a former Olympian himself, said he was proud of Nasiga's achievement.
"We were hoping to send three athletes to this year's Olympics but we're content with sending one athlete," Takayawa said.
"We're pleased that Sisilia won gold and is able to go to Beijing. The plan now is to send her to Europe for two to three months and then to Japan for preparations before heading for Beijing.
"We'd like to thank Air Pacific for getting us to New Zealand and kick starting Sisilia's road to the Olympics." Takayawa won a bronze medal in the men's plus 100kg while Josaia Naulu was placed third in the under-81kg category.
Fiji's overall standing in Oceania region is second behind Australia.
The Olympic Games will be held from August 4-28.

FONTE (photo include): Fiji Times - Suva,Fiji

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