Jordan Evans-Tobata on the track. Photo: New Zealand Olympic Committee
A proud Solomon Islander will be cheering for his daughter as she flies the tracks at the National Stadium in Honiara when the athletics competition gets underway at the 2023 Pacific Games.
Walebarasialia Tobata is excited at the fact that his daughter, Dunedin based Jordan Evans-Tobata, is set to represent New Zealand on her homeland next week.
"The excitement and pride I feel as a father are immeasurable," he told RNZ Pacific.
"Having my daughter run on the tracks of Honiara, representing not only New Zealand but also embodying our shared Pacific spirit, is a source of immense joy. It is a moment that transcends borders and symbolises the unity of our Pacific community."
Nine-year wait
Evans-Tobata will be competing in the 400 metres, 800m, 4x100m and 4x400m relay events.
The 19-year-old Otago university student will be making her international debut and also seeing her Solomon Islands based father, Walebarasialia (Wale), for the first time in nine years.
"As soon as I found out the event was in the Solomon Islands I expressed an interest in competing and I was delighted when I was selected," Evans-Tobaba said in a press release from New Zealand Olympic Committee.
"My sisters and I intended on flying over to the Solomon Islands the other year but Covid put a stop to that, so it is very exciting that my dad and other family, who I haven't seen for a long time, will get the chance to see me run."
She took up athletics with Caversham Harrier and AC through her elder sister, Sydney.
Evans-Tobata soon discovered a talent for the sport going on to win Colgate Games medals in the 400m and 800m.
Specialising largely as a 400m sprinter she achieved a personal best last year 57.86 seconds to win bronze at the New Zealand secondary schools track champs in Inglewood.
Jordan Evans-Tobata on the track. Photo: New Zealand Olympic Committee
Personal Sacrifice
Her proud dad Wale, as he is known to friends and families, said leaving his family in New Zealand to return to the Solomon Islands was a difficult decision.
"However, the opportunity to contribute to my home country's development and engage in much needed development, including development of a Pharmacy Diploma Program at Solomon Islands National University, Developing the Kava Space in the country and interest in cultural preservation initiatives was a calling I couldn't ignore.
"As my daughters pursue their athletic dreams, I am reminded that sacrifices, both big and small, contribute to a greater purpose."
NZ support
Wale said he was grateful to the New Zealand government and its people for fostering strong ties with the Solomon Islands and the broader Pacific.
"The scholarships provided have not only opened doors for educational pursuits but have also strengthened the bonds that connect our nations. The warmth and support received in New Zealand make us, as Pacific Islanders, forever grateful for the opportunities granted," he said.
"As the Game time for my daughter draws near, I eagerly anticipate the unity and camaraderie that will unfold on the tracks of Honiara.
"My daughter's participation not only represents her individual achievement but also symbolises the harmonious relationship between New Zealand, the Solomon Islands, and the entire Pacific.
"May this event be a testament to the strength of our shared heritage and the power of sports to unite nations."
Heat preparation
At the national track and field champs in Wellington in March, Evans-Tobata finished fifth in the women's U20 400m final and in more recent months she has fine-tuned her preparations for the Pacific Games.
She expects the heat in Honiara to be a critical factor in her races and performance.
She has been spending time in the sauna as part of her preparation, expecting temperatures in excess of 30C in Honiara - quite different to what she has experienced in Dunedin over recent months.
"Once or twice a week I've spent 50 minutes after each training session in the sauna," she told the New Zealand Olympic Committee.
"I didn't like them at first but over time I've learned to love it."
She said she has worked on her personal times as she fine tuned her training.
"For the 400m, I'm in close to personal best shape. I've performed locally here in Dunedin and ran well in some bad conditions, so I'm hoping to make the final and see what happens.
"I haven't competed in 800m for a wee while. I have done a few time trials and backed off a bit running the longer distances. I don't want to put myself under too much pressure, but I'd like to go 2 minutes 15 seconds or faster," she added.
The athlete and father are expected to meet in Honiara on Thursday when Evans-Tobata touches down with Team New Zealand athletes.
The athletics competition will start next Monday.