Team Fiji concluded their participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics with a silver medal, ranking 74th in the overall medal standings. The silver was earned by the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team after losing 28-7 to the host country, France.
Many of the athletes were under 20 years old and competing in their first Olympics, feeling a sense of pride in representing their nation. They expressed a strong commitment to improving their performances with the goal of qualifying for the Los Angeles Games in 2028.
Additionally, Team Fiji’s athletes and officials were honored at a dinner hosted by members of the Fijian community in Paris. Linda Acker, Eric Acker, Atonina Lasagavibau, Fero Lasagavibau, and Joe Rokocoko prepared a meal for the team and conducted a traditional sevusevu ceremony.
Sale Sorovaki, the Chef de Mission for Team Fiji, expressed gratitude towards the hosts for their efforts to make the team feel welcome and comfortable. He noted that the athletes were thrilled to experience Fijian cuisine and to bond with fellow countrymen in Paris.
Acker shared her emotional sentiments about the honor of hosting the young Olympians, while former All Black Rokocoko emphasized that the gathering was meaningful for them as Fijians and served as a small token of appreciation for this talented group of young athletes.