Despite winning the 400m senior boys gold medal during the Marist Brothers High School inter-house yesterday, Lepani Bavai is unsure whether he’ll be around for the Fiji Finals (Coca-Cola Games). Speaking to SUNsports at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva yesterday, Bavai said his priority is on rugby and not athletics. “The dates of the Fiji Finals clash with our rugby tour to New Zealand,” he said. Bavai said the school team would play against New Zealand school rugby teams during the tour. The Vunisinu, Rewa lad was confident that his choice of taking up rugby will augur well for his future. “I didn’t expect to win it (race) as I’m just here to compete for my house,” Bavai said. “I didn’t expect to go for the Fiji Finals as my target is rugby. I just wanted to represent my house.” Bavai acknowledged divine intervention on his gold medal win in the MBHS inter-house competition. “I want to thank my parents as well for their support,” he said. Saukuru eyes javelin record Meanwhile, Fiji Sports Awards Young Male Athlete of the Year 2024 nominee Ebenezer Saukuru has set his sights in breaking the Fiji Finals javelin intermediate boys record set by former MBHS student Leslie Copeland. Copeland’s record of 67.23m was set in 2005. “I’m looking forward to the Cokes and I know for sure that I’ll try to qualify. I’m trying my best in other events like the 4x100metres relay and long jump as well.” Saukuru said his parents didn’t expect him to be nominated by Athletics Fiji for the Young Male Athlete of the Year. “I didn’t even believe it myself and I felt so honoured,” he said. “It was very difficult to manage athletics, rugby and academic work but I’ve managed to do it.” Saukuru was hopeful of achieving the same success in his sporting and academic ambitions. “My biggest motivation would be my mum as she always tells me to balance sports and academics. If I don’t, she might pull me out of sports so that’s the reason why I try my best to do well in schoolwork too.” Saukuru was optimistic about his performance during the MBHS inter-house competition. “I’ve overcome the mindset of not being the youngest in this intermediate grade but the strongest. I always put God first and he’ll do the rest for you.” Saukuru also plays volleyball since his parents Apenisa and Sanimili Saukuru are former Fiji volleyball reps. The MBHS inter-house competition was won by Alphonsus with 17 gold, 15 silver, 15 bronze medals followed by Claudius with 17 gold medals, 13 silver, 14 bronze. Lambert came in third with 11 gold, 18 silver, 12 bronze medals and Augustine with 7 gold, 6 silver and 11 bronze medals. Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj