The Fiji Airways Fiji men’s 7s team is driven by more than just a desire for gold as they carry the hopes of the nation into the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Led by Osea Kolinisau, the team is determined to uphold the country’s legacy at the pinnacle of all sports.
Fiji’s team has a unique achievement, being the only squad to win sevens gold at the Olympics twice, a feat accomplished in Rio, Brazil, and Tokyo, Japan. Kolinisau is keen to maintain this golden streak in Paris, France.
“We are still hungry for that win and we want to keep that legacy that the other boys have built,” said the 2016 Fiji 7s winning captain from France.
Although recent performances in the World Sevens Series may raise doubts, Kolinisau has faith in his team’s capabilities. “The goal is to go out and defend our legacy. Right now, no other team can claim to be the champion, and that’s something our boys are fighting hard to live up to. We are really hungry, the public is hungry too, and I know the boys are up for the challenge in the next two weeks,” Kolinisau added.
The team has spent the past week acclimating and adjusting to the time difference in France while also adapting to the new schedule and format of the Games. Fiji will face Uruguay in its first pool match on July 25 at Stade de France in Paris.