Samoa’s wrestlers Willie Alofipo and Gaku Akazawa did not have a break after they returned to Samoa from the Commonwealth Games and went to Japan for another tournament. 

Instead they continued to train as part of their preparations for the Japan National Open Wrestling Championships last Saturday 29 October 2022, according to a press release issued on Tuesday by the Samoa Wrestling Federation and the Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC).

At the conclusion of the two-day competition, it was obvious that the hard work and tireless efforts of Samoa's wrestlers paid off well. 

Akazawa coached and competed in the 70kg category freestyle wrestling, while Alofipo competed in the 97kg category for both freestyle wrestling and Greco-Roman wrestling style. 

Akazawa said Alofipo came close to snatching the gold medal in the event and he was surprised at the Samoan's performance. 

“Willie almost got a gold medal too. I was shocked to Willie’s performance, really good, since everyone was training for years and Willie for only two years. It was tough but he did great."

Akazawa did not compete in the Greco-Roman Category as he focused on coaching Alofipo.

“I didn't compete today, was focusing on coaching Willie on his first time trying Greco-Roman style. He was very close to gold medal as well, good to see he's growing in wrestling," he said.

Overall Samoa won two silver medals and 1 gold medal as well as a MVP award at the Japan National Open Wrestling Championships 2022.