Makelesi Bulikiobo awarded World Athletics Veteran Pin
At the 2025 World Athletics Congress Makelesi Bulikiobo was awarded the World Athletics Veteran Pin
The World Athletics Veteran pin is an honour bestowed on individual whose exceptional, loyal and outstanding service and contribution has provided a measurable benefit to the sport of athletics over an extended period of time.
Makelesi Bulikiobo has long been a member of the Oceania Athletics Association. She commenced her athletic career as an athlete, where she became one of the top ranked athletes in the first decade of the 2000s.
Makelesi was the first Fijian and Pacific Islander female track athlete to qualify on merit for two consecutive Olympics (2004 Athens, 2008 Beijing).
She then became the First Fijian female track athlete to reach semifinals at the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games.
Makelesi was a semi-finalist in 2003 Paris World Championships in the 400 metres and in 2009 she qualified for the Berlin World Championships in 200m and 400m.
Throughout her career she won:
- 5 Gold Medals (100m, 200m, 400m, 4x100m, 4x400m relays) – 2001 Norfolk Island & 2009 Cook Islands Pacific Mini Games
- Pacific Games Record Holder (2003–2021) in 100m (11.55s), 200m (23.4s), 400m (52.66s), and 4x100m relay (44.86s).
In addition, Makelesi held the Fiji National Records in the: 100m: 11.55s | 200m: 23.22s | 400m: 51.86s | 800m: 2:08.81s.
Since retiring from competition Makelesi has gone on to coaching roles in schools and clubs in Fiji, which have included:
- Head Coach, Adi Cakobau School Athletics Team (2023): Led team to victory in Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Championship.
- Track and Field Head Coach, Gospel High School (2015).
- Fiji National Coach (Middle & Long Distance), Pacific Games (2015).
- Assistant Coach, Suva Grammar School (2001–2011) where she developed and coached young athletes in track and field.
In 2014, Makelesi was appointed as the Athletics Fiji Sports Development Officer where she was responsible for developing and coordinating inclusive athletics programmes for children, including those with disabilities. She has conducted national coach education and Kids’ Athletics mass participation programmes and led the setup of Athletics Fiji’s athlete database and authored key organisational policies (Child Protection, Risk Management).
Makelesi has continued to grow her resume by undertaking several World Athletics coaching certification courses.
- IAAF (World Athletics) Level III Coach (Middle & Long Distance) – First Fijian woman to achieve this level.
- IAAF (World Athletics) Level 1 Lecturer Certificate
- International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program (ICECP) Graduate
- World Athletics CECS LII (S R H and Jumps)
Makelesi Bulikiobo joined the Oceania Athletics Association’s Development Commission in 2023 and was chosen as Chair of the Oceania Athletics Coaches Advisory Panel during its inaugural meeting—a role she continues to hold.
As an athlete, Makelesi inspired young athletes not only in Fiji but across the Pacific. She represented several Oceania Teams and was recognised early for her leadership qualities in the sport.
We congratulate Makelesi on receiving the World Athletics Veteran Pin.