Born: 26 April 1951 (Nadroga, Fiji)
Died: 27 January 2018 (Sigatoka, Fiji)
Biography:
Mereoni Vibose (26 April 1951 – 27 January 2018) was a Fijian female track and field athlete who competed in the discus throw and javelin throw. Born on 26 April 1951, Vibose grew up in Nadroga, Fiji and was an athlete during her time at Adi Cakobau School. Her passion for athletics would lead her to a remarkable career and multiple achievements in the field.
Vibose’s talent and dedication became evident early on when she began competing in national championships. She emerged as a standout athlete, winning two gold medals in javelin and discus throw each at the 1983 and 1987 National Athletics Championships in Fiji. It was during these championships that Vibose etched her name in the record books, setting the Fijian discus record in 1983 with a throw of 47.76 meters and the Fijian javelin record in 1987 with a distance of 53.18 meters.
Beyond the national stage, Vibose represented Fiji at various international events, leaving her mark on the athletics world. She competed at the South Pacific Games and secured a total of nine medals throughout her career. Her first taste of success at the South Pacific Games came in 1969, where she claimed silver medals in the javelin and discus events. Over the years, Vibose continued to excel, collecting a impressive haul of medals at the prestigious games.
Vibose also had the opportunity to showcase her athletic prowess at the Commonwealth Games. She represented Fiji in the 1974 and 1982 editions of the games, showcasing her skills on an international stage. Though she did not win medals, her presence and determination left an impression.
The pinnacle of Vibose’s career came in 1983 when she competed at the World Championships in Athletics. Participating in both the javelin and discus events, she demonstrated her versatility and skill in front of a global audience. This was an important milestone for Vibose, as she was able to compete against some of the best athletes from around the world.
Vibose’s international exploits continued at the 1987 World Championships in Athletics, where she competed solely in the javelin event. Her strong performances showcased her abilities and solidified her status as a talented athlete.
In 1990, Vibose participated in her final International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) event at the Oceania Athletics Championships. She secured a bronze medal in the discus throw and a gold medal in the javelin event. This successful outing marked the end of her official competitive career, and she retired the following year in 1991.
However, Vibose’s love for athletics remained strong even after retirement. She made a triumphant return to the sport at the 2016 World Masters Athletics Championships. Despite being a veteran competitor, Vibose showed her competitive spirit and determination, earning a fourth-place finish in the javelin event.
Recognizing her immense contributions to Fijian athletics, Vibose was inducted into the Fiji Sports Hall of Fame in 1998. This prestigious honor is a testament to her remarkable achievements and the legacy she left behind.
Tragically, Vibose passed away on 27 January 2018 in Sigatoka, Fiji. Her impact and influence on the world of athletics, both domestically and internationally, will always be remembered.
Awards:
– Fiji Sports Hall of Fame Inductee (1998)