Twenty-eight year old Nanai Derek Sua, who represented Samoa at the Rio Olympic Games in Judo, is heading home.

Although he did not win a medal, he is grateful for the experience.

Speaking from Rio, Nanai told the Samoa Observer he gave it his best.

“My confidence was good and I wasn't scared of anything,” he said.

“But the only thing I was avoiding was not to be thrown in ten seconds, before I went in.

“An Olympian gold medallist from Japan came and wished the best of luck to me and my coach Fubuki and I was very humbled so I did the best I could.

“I lasted two minutes and 25seconds and it was tough. I wanted to win but this is the Olympic games everyone is well prepared

“Falling down is hard but I need to pick myself up and focus on the future.”

Lastly, he said: “Fa’afetai Samoa i lau tapuaiga.”