Jerry Tuwai, a three-time Olympic gold and silver medallist, delivered a heartfelt speech upon his team’s arrival at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi yesterday. After their remarkable performance at the Paris Olympics, where they secured a silver medal for Fiji, Tuwai expressed profound gratitude to the Almighty for providing protection and guidance throughout their preparations.
“I would like to thank the Almighty for the protection and guidance during the months leading up to our campaign in Paris and for our safe return,” Tuwai stated. He also extended his thanks to the coaches, managers, teammates, and families who supported them during this journey.
Tuwai took a moment to apologize to the nation for not meeting the high expectations placed upon them. “We apologize for coming back with a different color of medal. We know the expectations were high, and we regret that we could not defend the gold medal in Paris,” he remarked.
Despite not achieving their ultimate goal, Tuwai expressed hope that their efforts would inspire young athletes in Fiji to aspire to greatness. He underscored the significance of teamwork and unity in their quest for success. “While we didn’t reach our goals, we pray that our performance can motivate young players and future representatives of our nation,” he said.
Reflecting on their Olympic journey, Tuwai noted the valuable experiences gained, including interactions with legendary athletes. He concluded with a strong message of unity, love, and togetherness, stressing that these values could lead Fiji to achieve greater accomplishments in the future.