FIJI took a podium finish through Iris Bentley Fisher at the 2025 International Va’a Federation (IVF) World Distance Championships in Niteroi, Brazil.
Fisher, 16, took bronze in the 12km race in the V1 Junior 16 category in her debut performance.
It was described as an outstanding performance for the young paddler and the country.
“This was a proud moment for Fiji,” said Loretta St Julian-Ooms, Fiji Outrigger President and Area Coordinator for Team Fiji at the event.
“Iris showed incredible poise and strength – her bronze medal is a testament to the talent and heart we’re nurturing in our paddling community.”
Team Fiji fielded seven paddlers across multiple categories, building on their recent success at the 2025 Palau Mini Games, where every Fijian va’a athlete returned home with a medal.
The Fiji delegation of 11, supported by the Fiji National Sports Commission and Yadra Fiji, embraced the international spirit of the event, joining 800 paddlers from 26 countries.