Weightlifter Vaipapa Nevo Ioane has decided to retire and focus on his new business venture, the Olympian Massage, at his home in Tulaele. 

He said his heart will always be with his weightlifting family but it is time for him to move on and focus on his family's future. However, even though he is retiring he will still help out with training.

"I will miss the sport. This sport nurtured my sporting career. For seven years, this sport has raised my children, my eldest was raised through the income I earned from this sport," he said. 

"I am the breadwinner of our family. I believe this is not the end for my weightlifting career, there will be a time when I will go and help out with their training. 

"I already discussed with them, if they need me for anything I will always be available. If players need massages, I can do it for them free of charge, this will be my way of giving back to them as my heart is with them. 

"This could be my way of giving back to my weightlifting family. As for my new business, I am doing this for my family's future. I am certain that if this venture turns out successful then my children will not have to worry about anything."

Nevo is currently providing therapist massages for anyone. He provides all sorts of different massages not only for athletes but for all. 

"I have been an athlete for over 20 years. I have had a lot of injuries that local and overseas doctors have spent time to try and heal. With the knowledge I've gained over the years with the massages, I thought to try it out. I have named this Olympian Massage as I am an Olympian. 

"I was going to name it after me but I thought I'd give it that name as it has a nice ring to it."

He is the only one doing the massages. He is considering hiring people in the future but at the moment he wants to start small.

As a retired athlete, he encourages athletes who are looking at retiring to ensure they save up enough to build their future once their sporting career ends. He also advises current athletes to always aim high and achieve their goals.