The struggles and hard work of 38 year old long distance runner Bimlesh Kumar paid of this afternoon after he won a bronze medal in the 5000 metres at the Oceania Masters championship in Australia.

Kumar paid $5000 from his own pocket for the trip and the last time he represented Fiji was at the Pacific Mini Games in 2001.

The Jet Runners club of Nadi athlete was training for the past months for the event and he won the bronze in style especially after 13 years of top level competition.

His younger brother and Jet runners club President Abinesh Kumar said they will welcome him in a big way.