Keep an eye out for these Pasifika athletes competing in this year’s Olympic games in Paris, France.
The countdown has begun with less than ten days till the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris kick off. The whole world will stop to watch the very best athletes in the world battle it out for a podium finish but also for reputation and bragging rights.
Our very own Pasifika athletes will showcase their sporting prowess representing their respective countries and flags. Here are some to keep an eye out for when the sporting entertainment commences.
Don Opeloge/Samoa
Weightlifting
With a long list of medals and achievements over his weightlifting career and now heading into his first Olympic Games this year, Don Opeloge is one to watch out for as he competes in the Men’s Weightlifting 89kg event in Paris.
A two time Commonwealth Games medallist, four time Oceania champion, Pacific Games gold medallist and holder of many records, Don has been appointed as Team Samoa’s flag bearer for this year’s games in Paris.
The 25 year old originally had qualified for the 2020 Olympics, but due to COVID restrictions was then held back in Samoa from competing. Four years later he is back and has put up his hand as a potential medal spot for Samoa.
Teremoana Junior Teremoana
Cook Island heritage representing Australia
Boxing
Representing Australia in the Mens +92 kg for boxing is Cook Islander Teremoana Junior Teremoana who’s super striking power has made him one to watch out for in his category. He is also the holder of the Super Heavyweight title in Australia.
Standing at a whopping 6 ‘6 feet, Teremoana’s lineage draws back to Atiu and Pukapuka.
After claiming gold in the 2019 Pacific Games, it was this year at the USA Invitational boxing tournament where he put the world on notice of his strength and capability.
Teremoana was too strong for his opponent in their gold medal bout who happened to be the bronze medallist at the recent Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Although representing Australia, Teremoana is proud of his Cook Island roots performing the “Taku Lakau Mei Pukapuka” chant any chance he gets as an ode to his father and grandfather.
Maddi Wesche
Samoan heritage representing New Zealand
Athletics/Women’s Shot Put
New Zealand have offered some of the very best athletics field events stars over the years with the likes of Valerie Adams and Beatrice Faumuina. Joining that list of famous names is Maddi Wesche.
Heading into her second olympics games in her career, the 25 year old claimed bronze in the World Under 20s championship in Finland where she made her entrance to the short put arena known.
Two years later, she achieved a top 10 placing at the Tokyo Olympic Games, finishing 6th out of 32 throwers which was quite an impressive feat considering her young age. Wesche is of Samoan heritage and often competes in her sunglasses to which she refers to as her “lucky charm”.
Fiji Rugby Sevens
Rugby Sevens
After claiming back to back gold medals in rugby sevens in the recent two olympics, Fiji Mens Sevens team is back yet again with the hopes of pulling off a three peat of olympic gold glory.
However, this year has not been in favour of results of the team, facing a lot of scrutiny due to only achieving one top 3 placing in all tournaments this year. Fiji placed 6th overall at the end of the year on the World Series ladder, resulting in the sacking of then coach Ben Gollings.
Hoping to revive some morale within the squad is new coach and also captain of the 2016 Olympics Gold Medal squad Osea Kolinisau. The veteran brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team and is no stranger to the Olympics sevens arena.
Kolinisau has also included Fijian Drua star winger Selesitino Ravutaumada who’ll bring his quickness and experience from Super Rugby to boost the sides firepower.
Vahine Fierro
Tahiti heritage representing France
Surfing
Nicknamed and referred to by many surfing fans as “The Queen of Teahupo’o” , 24 year old Vahine Fierro will represent France in this year’s surfing competition for the olympics.
Teahupo’o in Tahiti will host this year’s surfing competition for the olympics, which has been the playground for Fierro throughout her childhood. Her knowledge of the iconic surf spot comes in her favour as she eyes up a medal finish come game time.
Vahine is no stranger to the surfing world having been crowned Junior World Champion in 2017 and team champion in 2021. Having lived and raised in Tahiti and the island of Huahine all her life, Fierro has adapted surfing as part of her life with both of her parents also surfers themselves.
It was only six weeks ago where Vahine took out the Teahupo’o/Tahiti Pro Champion for 2024, which showed her knowledge of the area which will become host to many of the top surfers come olympic time.
