Despite running with only socks and no proper running shoes, Rampur College runner Lora Francesca's spirit was not deterred as she gave her best in the Coca Cola Suva Zone 2,3,000 metres girls' open grade final to win the first gold medal of the competition.
The 14-year-old finished with a time of 15.00.01 minutes.
Francesca says running without any tracks shoes did not stop her from giving her all even though she had a blister on her right foot.
She says she wasn't able to get proper running shoes as her mother is not getting paid till the next few days.
She adds coming into this competition, she never thought she would be making it this far, knowing there were other threats from top schools in the competition.
Rampur College currently leads the Suva Zone 2 girls division medal tally with 1 gold, followed by Ratu Latianara College with 1 silver and 1 bronze.
In the boys category, Suva Grammar School is leading with 1 gold, followed by Marist Brothers High School with 1 silver, and Ratu Latianara is in third place with 1 bronze.
The Suva Zone 2 competition will finish off tomorrow.
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