Fiji’s history-making diver Maori Pomeroy-Farrell says his bronze medal at the World Aquatics Junior Diving Championships is only the beginning.

The 17-year-old made history in Croatia by winning bronze in the Boys’ 3-metre Springboard, becoming the first Fijian athlete to win a medal at a World Aquatics competition.

But for Pomeroy-Farrell, the achievement is not just about his own success.

He hopes his journey will inspire other young Fijians to believe they too can compete on the world stage.

His message is simple.

“Go for it. Go for it. The sky is the limit, no matter what people say,” Pomeroy-Farrell said.

He says faith and determination have been central to his journey.

“Just know that with God, anything is possible, and just follow your dreams.”

The young diver says the moment he returned to the campus after winning his medal was particularly emotional, as he received a call from his parents.

He says both his mother and father were in tears as they celebrated the historic achievement with him.

Pomeroy-Farrell has also acknowledged the support he has received from Fiji and from the organisations and individuals who have helped him along the way.

He thanked the Ministry of Youth and Sports,especially the Minister himself Jese Saukuru, Peter Mazey and the Fiji National Sports Commission, Fiji Aquatics, Oceania Aquatics and other sporting stakeholders.

He also acknowledges the Assistant Minister for iTaukei Affairs Isikeli Tuiwailevu.

The 17 years old also expressed his gratitude to Mexico, where he has been able to train with high-level coaches and divers.

Pomeroy-Farrell says a part of the medal belongs to Mexico because of the support he has received there.

Despite representing Fiji on the world stage, the teenager says he still faces the challenge of funding his international campaign.

He is currently seeking sponsorship to help cover travel, equipment, physiotherapy and airline costs.

His World Aquatics scholarship will not open until next year, meaning sponsorship support is currently crucial to keeping his international campaign going.

Pomeroy-Farrell already has several competitions lined up, including events in Kuala Lumpur, the Gold Coast, Christchurch and Hong Kong.

He hopes to finish the season in Hong Kong in December before returning to Fiji to spend Christmas with his family.

Each competition, he says, is another opportunity to gain experience and win more medals for Fiji.

And his biggest target is already clear, Los Angeles 2028.

“Just working my way up step by step for Los Angeles, 2028.”

For Pomeroy-Farrell, however, the long-term dream goes beyond his own Olympic ambitions.

He wants to see diving develop in Fiji and believes the country has young athletes who could excel in the sport if given the opportunity.

He is calling for diving infrastructure to be developed in Fiji, including the reopening of a diving pool.

“I think Fiji has a future in diving, apart from me,” he said.

“There are talented young athletes.”

Pomeroy-Farrell also wants to challenge the perception that Fiji’s sporting identity begins and ends with rugby.

“I think Fiji has more to it than just rugby,” he said.

For the teenager who has already created a piece of history, the next chapter is about creating even more.

“If we sit down in an interview again in a few years from now, I think we should definitely be talking about some Olympic medals for Fiji.”

And for the young Fijians watching his journey, his message remains the same, and that is to dream big, work hard and go for it.