Fiji's Super Mum Balances Family Life with Elite Athletics

Salome Tabuatalei, a mother of two from Fiji, earned the title 'Super mum' in 1997 for balancing her family life with elite athletics. She was the Coca-Cola/Fiji Sports Council Sportswoman of the Year in 1995 and represented Fiji in the 800 metres, 1500 metres, and 3000 metres at the 1995 South Pacific Games.

Tabuatalei's proudest achievement was her daughter asking to train with her. Her daughter had already won a silver medal at the same games, while her husband, Semi, represented Fiji in the marathon at the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games.

Tabuatalei began running at age 13 and first represented Fiji at the 1991 South Pacific Games in Port Moresby. After taking time off to raise her children, she returned to athletics in 1994. Her daily routine involved training at 4am and another session in the evening, fitting around household chores and her children's needs.