Iliesa Delana

Iliesa Delana MOF (born 2 December 1984) is a Fijian politician and Paralympic high jumper who has been Member of the Parliament of Fiji and Cabinet Minister since 17 September 2014.

Going into the games, Delana was ranked number 2 in the world,[2][3] but jumped 1.74m to win the gold on count back, after clearing all heights up to and including 1.74m on his first attempts.

[5][6] Delana was congratulated by President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau,[5] and by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama who called upon all Fijians to celebrate his victory.

President Nailatikau delivered a speech describing Delana as a national "icon", adding that he had brought to the country a "sense of unity and pride [...] greatly needed at this point in time and in pursuit towards democratic governance", in the context of constitutional change following the 2006 military coup and plans for the restoration of democracy in 2014.

[9] He was presented with a new home by Prime Minister Bainimarama in January 2013, as "a token of appreciation to convey Fiji's profound gratitude for the great honour [Delana had] bestowed upon the country".