Two years of training paid off for Fiji high jumper, Iliesa Delana at the Paralympic Games in London.

Delana did with one leg what Fiji’s able bodied athletes were not able to do a month ago.

His coach, Fred Fatiaki says Delana’s gold medal win this morning was one for the ages and a message back to all in Fiji and the Pacific.

“It’s a dream come true, I just don’t know what to say, congratulations to Iliesa and its an eye opener to all those with disabiltiies back at home, they can overcome anything in life. I was a bit nervous but I knew that we were going to reach something greater after all the hard work and training put in by Iliesa.”

Fatiaki adds upon their return, they will make a special visit to Delana’s team-mate and runner, Lusiana Rogoimuri who was forced to miss the Games after being involved in a car accident a week before leaving for London.

Delana jumped a height of 1.74 meters – he started his jumps from 1.65m, before finishing off with 1.74 m to beat jumpers from India and Poland.

He did try to better this mark but failed in all his three attempts at 1.77m.
Delana’s gold was also the first ever for an athlete from the Pacific Islands.