BY JOY OFASIA
SOLOMON Islands Karate gold medalist, Hazel Uatee said she has achieved her ultimate goal, which is to win a medal at this XVII Pacific Games 2023.
After winning a gold medal at the women’s event finals of the Karate 50kg division, at the SIFF Academy facility on Thursday, last week, Hazel said: “I felt confident and positive setting my eyes on this year’s Pacific Games. My ultimate goal is to win a gold medal for the country.”
The young goal medallist expressed her excitement about competing among the best competitors of Pacific’s Oceania region.
“I am very happy and excited to represent the country. For sure, my experience competing against the top Karate competitors in the Oceania region will give me a bonus in my future competitions,” she said.
When asked about her preparation before the Pacific Games, the Karate gold medallist said: “I have gained more experience through my participation in previous regional competitions and undergoing high-performance training under top specialist coaches at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sports (SINIS) which have improved my skills a lot giving me more confidence.”
The Karate prodigy later acknowledged her coaches, and karate teammates for their technical expertise and also her family for their motivational advice and the home supporters for their moral support.
“I would like to thank my coaching team and teammates for the technical support we had for each other that helped me achieve my gold medal goal on the fighting mat.
Hazel said it’s just the beginning of her journey and love for Karate, and she is now optimistic and ready to represent the country in future karate competitions.
“I think I can win more medals for the Solomon Islands in future competitions and promote the sport of karate even more in our country. The Pacific Games is a top-level competition and earning myself a gold medal is fitting,” she revealed.
