Samoa's Greco-Roman wrestlers look to be the first sports to qualify for the Olympic Games, and after winning gold at the 2023 Oceania Senior Wrestling Championships, they are feeling confident. 

Willie Alofipo and his nephew Joshua Alofipo returned to Samoa with their coach and mentor Gaku Akazawa to raise the next generation of wrestlers and prepare themselves for Olympic qualifiers.

The trio have managed to spur the interest of a number of children and their presence at Tuanaimato was evident that the sport is growing.

One of the teens 16-year-old Joshua Alofipo shared his experience at the championship where he won in the U17 Greco-Roman wrestling 71kg category.

“When it came to game day I was really nervous to jump on the stage because once I was up there I knew I would be representing my country and my family," he said. "But I did have that mindset that I could win. I won a few matches and I lost a few but that’s just the way it is. 

"I am grateful for another gold medal and the experience went really well. There was a great fellowship with other wrestlers, getting to know the techniques from other countries and learning from them and their experience.

“It feels good to teach the young ones. When they grow up they can be inspired to be great wrestlers as well. Right now, they have a head start, which is something that I could have had when I was their age because as they grow older they already have the foundation and the basics in place. It’s a privilege for me to teach the young ones."

Winning alongside his uncle Willie Alofipo was an added bonus for young Joshua as his uncle had been the anchor and encouragement through his wrestling journey.

Mr. Akazawa is very passionate about the sport and hopes to create a firm and solid foundation for young children. Not only does it provide a fun and healthy environment, he believes that it creates discipline at a young age while promoting the strong values of being active and fit.

“The program we have for the kids from around five to 12 years old is something for them to be active, have fun and enjoy themselves,” said Willie Alofipo. “It’s awesome coming back home and after a great victory I just want to get back on the grind. 

"There is nothing that makes you want to grind more than coming back and seeing your team and the young children. I have many things I want to work on coming back from the championship.

"Right now I am recovering from a small injury but in terms of preparing for the Olympics I want to strengthen my special moves, and study a little bit of my opponents because I know I will have to fight them for first place.”