They may not have won medals but Pacific judo exponents say the Paris games is a boost for the sport in the islands.
A good number of Pacific athletes represented their small nations in the Judo arena at the Olympics over the past week.
And while none of them have been among the medals, being in Paris among the elites of global sport has been an eye-opener and an inspiration for the sport of Judo in the Pacific region.
For this year’s competition, the oldest and youngest judo athletes both represent the pacific region, through Will Tai Tin (39) of Samoa and Nera Tiebwa (15) of Kiribati.
Both Tin and Tiebwa are making their Olympic debut in Paris and although not qualifying through to the next round, both are grateful for the experience.
Tin who is based in Melbourne Australia describes judo as a “lifesaver” having changed his life around after being met with health issues.
Originally only taking the sport up to fight his health issues, he admits that his choice to further his experience in it was inspired by his two kids who also are judo athletes.
“I wasn’t looking after my health back then. When I started Judo, I was about 121kg; as cliche as it sounds, Judo saved my life really,” he says.
“My kids push me. They are the ones who inspired me to start Judo, they’ve been doing it much longer than I have.
“Nothing is impossible if you put in the hard work.”
The 39 year old competed in the Men’s 73 kg and lost to Tanzanian opponent Andrew Thomas Miugu
“It was a tough match, you can’t take anything for granted – it’s the Olympics,” he says.
“I went out there and felt like I gave it my all and I hope the Pacific is proud of how we are going out there. It’s one of those down feelings but I am happy that I can represent our island, as Judo is not an easy sport.
“I just hope that my kids will be here one day, and I also want to see the next generation of islanders whether it’s from Samoa, Guam or American Samoa compete at this level.”
As for Tiewba who was also the flag bearer for Kiribati during the opening ceremony, taking part in this year’s olympic games has been a learning moment for her.
After losing her match against Ukrainian opponent Bilodid Daria in the Women’s 57kg, the 15 year old vows to be back on the Olympics stage in the next four years.
“I have learnt and experienced so much in my first Olympics being the youngest on the team,” she says.
“Making it here as a 15-year-old is a big achievement.
“The best thing is seeing a lot of people and different flags with the countries they represent.”
Also taking part in the Judo competition is Hugo Cumbo of Vanuatu and Gerard Takayawa of Fiji.
Both are not only representing their nations but also come from a long judo legacy.
Takayawa is a household name back in Fiji for judo, with his uncle Tevita Takayawa having represented Fiji too in the sport at the highest level.
“I feel like it was meant to be, our family has been doing judo for a long time,” he says.
“I have watched my uncles compete in the Olympics, so I just thought why don’t I try it too.
“This is just my first, I’m trying to gain more experience and try to at least reach semifinals or finals in my next Olympic Games.
Gerard narrowly lost his match against his Slovakian opponent Fizel Marius, just 19 seconds before full time.
“I felt they underestimated me because I was young, but I have been competing and training with people way older than me,” he says.
“It’s been a great experience for me, especially meeting other people, knowing their culture, seeing sports stars casually walking around and eating at the same dining hall as us.
“My advice to young boys back in the islands is to keep doing what you are doing and keep working hard.”
Similar to Gerard, Hugo Cumbo also comes from a family of judo representatives from his home island of Vanuatu.
His father was a judo teacher and was also responsible for introducing the sport back in Vanuatu. Competing in his second olympics campaign, Cumbo says that he hopes to inspire more athletes from his country to join the sport.
“There is a lot of potential in Vanuatu because people are strong and can manage physical activities really well,” he says.
“I never thought when I was young that I would get to the Olympics.
“I did Judo when I was a child and heard stories from my mates who went to London and Rio; that’s what made me want to come to the Olympics.”
After losing in the elimination rounds of the Men’s 81kg category, Cumbo hopes to work alongside the Vanuatu Judo Federation in future to help expand the sport in the country.
