Fiji Airways Fijian 7s players Joji Nasova and Iliavi Masori showcased remarkable perseverance as they navigated through floodwaters on Thursday night, making the journey from Toge Village in Ba to Suva for their Friday training session.
Their adventure began amidst significant rainfall in Toge Village, which had caused flooding in the region. Determined not to miss their crucial training at the High-Performance gym in Suva, the athletes bravely crossed two flooded bridges in the darkness before embarking on their lengthy trek to the capital.
Nasova, 24, described their experience, emphasizing the values of hard work and sacrifice inherent in sports. He recounted, “We went to the village on Christmas Eve after training and spent Christmas there. On Thursday night, we left the village to return to Suva for our Friday training.”
The challenges along the way did not deter them; they reached Suva at approximately 3 a.m. on Friday, catching only a few hours of sleep before heading directly to the gym. Nasova stressed, “For me personally, I believe I need to work on my fitness and prepare well for the next 7s series round.” He added that while they encountered significant flooding upon leaving Ba Town at midnight, their commitment to their goals pushed them to overcome any obstacles.
For Nasova and Masori, representing their country on the global stage takes precedence over any hardships they face. Nasova made his debut for Fiji at the HSBC Hong Kong 7s in April and quickly gained recognition for his explosive speed and strong tackles.
The Fiji 7s team is gearing up for the Perth 7s tournament in Australia, scheduled for January 26-28, where they are placed in Pool C with New Zealand, France, and Samoa. The competition is heating up across the series, with the men’s and women’s divisions showcasing their talent and determination as they compete for glory.
This story of determination and resilience highlights the incredible commitment of athletes who are willing to go above and beyond, serving as an inspiration to many about the power of dedication and hard work.
In summary, Nasova and Masori’s journey amidst the floods is a testament to their commitment to their sport, symbolizing the lengths athletes will go to represent their nation. Their story not only shines a light on the challenges faced but also serves as motivation for both current and aspiring sportspeople to remain steadfast in pursuing their dreams, regardless of adversities.
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