Vaisilika aims for gold at Youth Olympics

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 06 October 2018, 12:00AM

Vaisilika Tolua Tuigamala is one of three boxers representing Samoa at the Youth Olympic Games in Argentina this month.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer prior to their departure, the 18-year-old said he is aiming for a gold medal at the international sporting event. 

“I have been training in New Zealand with my older brother and two days ago I came here. I have been training with my dad three times a day ever since I came here,” he said.

“I will start at 5 o’clock in the morning, then another session in the afternoon at 12 noon and then the evening session at around 6 o’clock in the evening. It has been tough trainings but it’s been good,” he said. 

Vaisilika has set his sights on a gold medal in his weight category but says he has to stay grounded and not get too far ahead of himself. 

“However, in order to get there and achieve that goal I have to stay leveled and stay grounded and just not think too big yet. I just have to make it through the first round and focus on one fight at a time.”

This is the first time for the 18-year-old to participate in the Youth Olympic Games.

“I have decided to represent Samoa because it’s home. Even though, I don’t speak well in the language but I love it here and I thought it would be a good opportunity to represent our country,” he added. 

Vaisilika is in the super heavy weight division while the other two boxers Malcolm and Jensen Poutoa will be fighting in the heavy weight and middle weight divisions.

He started training in 2014 and he said when he first got into boxing, it was just to lose weight. But watching his sister and older brother train compelled him to join them.  

“My first fight was in 2015 against Seloti Fata he was 27 at the time. But it’s been a good journey and I am looking forward to representing Samoa in the Youth Olympic.”

Asked who will be his first opponent, Vaisilika said he is yet to be advised but will find out when he gets to the games and after the weighing in. He believes it will be a fighter from New Zealand, Tonga or Fiji.

Vaisilika is the son of Fesolai Vaaiga and Daphne Tuigamala.

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 06 October 2018, 12:00AM
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