Fijian leads Tuvalu contingent
RATU Karalo Maibuca Sr and his family were emotional seeing their son carry the flag of Tuvalu during the opening of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Ratu Karalo Sr’s namesake represented his birth country, Tuvalu, and had the opportunity to be the flag bearer.
“I was in tears when I saw him march out and to the stadium,” he said.
“It was indeed a proud moment for us.
“Jr is a very shy boy and he is close to his mother and seeing him on television, I couldn’t be more proud for what he has achieved.”
Ratu Karalo Jr hails from Koroivonu, Tunuloa, Cakaudrove on Vanua Levu.
The 22-year-old studies Environmental Management at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji.
His father, a chaplain at the Tuvalu Christian Church here in Suva, said they had spent 20 years in Tuvalu where all his eight children were born and bred.
In 2018 his family returned to Fiji as he was assigned as the chaplain for their church.
His wife Tina Maibuca hails
ZANZEER SINGH from Kioa village on Tuvalu.
“I am very strict with all my children, as for my namesake, he is very quiet and I always challenge him. I am very aggressive with him.
“When I found out that he was chosen I told him to concentrate on his studies because that is where his future lies.
“You can’t always rely on sports for sustainable future because when your sporting career ends you need something to fall back on to have a steady future.
“But he is my son and I will always support him.”
When he got the called from Tuvalu to represent them, he had his parent’s blessings and in November last year he flew over to train.
“I told him that being given this opportunity, it’s a blessing.
“They see your potential that is why you are being called.”
During his training here at home he was under the watchful eyes of Bola Tafou.
He added that they will be praying and cheering for him.
Gareth Baber lauded Fijians love and support.
This shows the character and fighting spirit that our coach has.
After finishing third on the overall 2019-2020 HSBC WRSS circuit, Gareth Baber was under pressure to achieve what Ben Ryan had achieved
Some had even called for him to be replaced after we bombed out of the Vancouver 7s, and got walloped by USA (40-12). However, Baber knew the mammoth task that he had on his shoulders, and he prepared his side to defend the Rio gold medal.
He was firm in camp, and was a fatherly figure to the players who missed their families.
He had faith in his team. After the Oceania 7s, he picked newcomers Iosefo Masi, Sireli Maqala and Jiuta Wainiqolo, and dropped 7s campaigners Kavekini Tabu and Alasio Naduva.
We went into the Olympics ranked as the eighth most experienced team. We only had one survivor from Rio- Jerry. However, in Tokyo, Baber delivered, exceptionally, despite the jittery start against Japan and Canada.
Our boys picked momentum, and they brushed aside giants Great Britain, Australia, Argentina and the All Blacks.
He was not carried away by the scintillating win. He had perfectly executed revenge against the All Blacks who beat us in the final of the 2018 Commonwealth Games 7s final (14-0) and the RWC 7s semi-final (22-17).
Baber shared that the team was glad they won the gold medal for Fiji.
His emotion was reflected in his message to the nation, “Just wanna say to all the people of Fiji, thank you very