It was a surreal moment for Faasavalu Pelasio Semi witnessing his son Johnsal Semi win his first gold medal at the  OCBC Youth and Junior Championships in Tahiti in early July. 

He spoke on his 15-year-old son's journey and how tough the road was to get to where he is right now. Johnsal won the gold medal for the Junior Men 52 - 54kg Bantamweight category defeating Itchner Tanito of French Polynesia. 

"I am so proud of my boy. Johnsal has been fighting in the ring since he was nine years old. He started from our village boxing club here at Falelatai. Such a humble beginning," he said.

"But he was fighting at the Upolu Savaii ring when he got this golden opportunity to compete in Tahiti. This is his first ever competition out of Samoa and he won gold. I am so grateful that I got to witness it. I coached him since he was young. I am very blessed and grateful."

Faasavalu said Samoa has so much talent but resources were scarce and there was a lack of funding to support sports associations.

"There is so much talent in Samoa, but we do not have enough equipment to train our athletes and the proper nutrients for them. We do not have that much money to go on," he said. 

"But we try our very best to cater for our athletes and produce results for our people as we carry Samoa's name as well."

With his son winning gold at the OCBC Youth and Junior Championships he is looking at the next level of competition. 

"I believe he will go a long way from here. I am very proud of him and seeing him pushing himself beyond his limits makes me happy. He is now through to the next level of competition but we are yet to find the details about it. But for now, I just want to have a great time and celebrate his gold medal with our family in Samoa," said Faasavalu.

"Taking this opportunity to thank our families here in Falelatai but also my wife's family in Luatuanuu for their prayers and support from here when Johnsal was in Tahiti fighting for his medal. We appreciate everyone who got behind us and supported us."

Nine athletes went to the championships and all won medals. The only female boxer on the team, Miss Siumoo Viligia also claimed a gold medal defeating Patu Tehani of French Polynesia in the Junior Women 52-54 kg Bantamweight.

Ualesi Malaki Simeuaita lost to Merven Keeley of French Polynesia and settled for a silver medal for the Junior Men 60-63 kg Light Welterweight.

 Alofipo Daniel Kent Junior walked away with gold in the Junior Men 66 - 70 kg Light Middleweight after defeating Kalivakarua Manasa of Fiji.

Samoa won gold in the Youth Men 63.5 - 67 kg Welterweight when Venasio Devontaye Johnson upset Kolitapa Joe of Fiji. Two other gold medals were won by Taavao Achillespaul and Poutoa Uaita in the Youth Men 80 - 86 kg Cruiserweight and Youth Men 92+ kg Super Heavyweight. 

Lamese Loganlaauli and Roache Pelasio Junior won bronze medals in their divisions. In total, Samoa won six gold, one silver and two bronze medals.