Whether or not the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics goes ahead in Japan, Sitivi Sooaemalelagi, is primed to get there are represent Samoa in swimming.
He is one of the athletes selected for Samoa’s team who continue to train for the possibility of the Games going ahead.
Sooaemalelagi was interviewed for Newsline Samoa on his interest in swimming and focus on competing and representing Samoa in Tokyo.
The athlete introduced himself at the start of the interview :
Well….firstly thanks for the interview and my name is Sitivi Sooaemalelagi from Mauga Fiafia…also my family roots are in Leulumoega Tuai , Sapapali’i and Ulutogia Village Aleipata . I am currently a freshman at The University of Adelaide in Australia. I’m not quite set on a major yet but I am interested in engineering, statistics and physics.
My parents once ran an eco-tour company in Samoa and with my two elder sisters and my younger brother we were basically ‘chucked’ into the outdoor life of hiking, kayaking, cycling and mountain climbing – Swimming was a welcome escape as mum and dads ‘oke’ or admonishments were lost in the waves and ocean swimming in particular struck me as something of a thrill as I’ve always held a deep respect for the beauty of nature (hence my interest in physics) and it really began from here. From childhood I struggled with a disability – my left foot at birth was slightly curved – otherwise known as ‘club’ foot – So contact sport unfortunately was ruled out and the risk of injuring my foot from excessive walking running or kicking put an end to my hopes of either rugby, soccer or basketball.
Encouraged by my parents, grandma and the Aoga Fa’amasani Amosa, I took up swimming and the journey began. It hasn’t been easy and by that, I mean Samoa is a small nation with limited resources. Athletes simply can’t afford to attend all international swim meets and although our swimming facilities at Tuanaimato are excellent – time constraints on the pool’s usage and the COVID epidemic has stopped training in Samoa in its tracks. Last year I was in the US on an Oceania Foundation Scholarship in Chicago where I earned an Associate Degree in Science – then disaster struck – COVID put an end to my dreams of swimming in the states. Fortunately, the University of Adelaide threw me a lifeline to join an elite club of athletes in Adelaide where now I receive the highest levels of training and get to compete with some of the best swimmers in Australia.
Q2. What about the biggest open sea race in South Australia you recently competed in?
Before I answer that question – please note that my goal is to represent Samoa at the Tokyo Paralympics 2021 (if indeed it goes ahead) …It will be the first time a Samoan or a Pacific Islander has ever competed in swimming at the Paralympics. My preparations to date are on track but also involves a complex process of certifications and qualifications beginning March 2021 here in Adelaide …so wish me luck and yeah extremely upbeat and hopefully all will be approved by our Samoa Swimming Association in time.
Q3. And the race Sitivi?
Ohh sorry – ok I swam in the biggest Open Ocean Water Race in South Australia – 267 swimmers in a 1500m race I placed a respectable 7th and a 400m Elite race of 28 swimmers where I placed 10th …. What I learnt from these races would be of interest to some – I was the only swimmer with a disability in each race! Therefore, it’s given me a boost that with excellent competition and good swim times then the Paralympics could become reality.
Q4. What are the challenges you face?
As a swimmer – two pressing challenges I face can be addressed in the context of finance and dealing with the unexpected – sometimes it’s exhausting to maintain a singular focus and for me and my fellow athletes – “to compete at the highest levels of sport which culminates in the Olympics and represent your nation of birth, culture and family which is Samoa “.
Realistically it was never going to be straightforward and before any international swimming meet – every soul linked to Samoan swimming – from trainers to grandparents -would set up BBQ’s, walkathons and knock on a company directors’ door and assume the ‘posture’ of a Matai in need and utter the words “sponsorship fa’amolemole” So while you’re doing the butterfly stroke in the pool, you’re praying that an airline ticket is under your towel at the end. Nevertheless, this kind of challenge or financial adversity makes you appreciate that not all in life is simply about you or your sport – it’s about people and working together.
Secondly – as an athlete I must prepare for the ‘rainy day’ – The past year 2020 and the COVID spread has thrown a spanner into preparations not only for the Olympics but just to stay healthy …I applaud the sincere efforts by our good Government and Sports bodies to make it happen but at the end of the day what is important is that our people and communities worldwide share good health.
Swimming is also a very committed intense type of sport. To become the best, training six or seven days a week is the only way to achieve this. So, juggling swimming training and competitions, family time and chores, church, school and other extracurricular activities has been one of my biggest challenges. However, I am extremely thankful and blessed for all the support and prayers (tapua’i) I have had from my grandma, my parents, my family, my church, my coaches, my teachers, and my friends.
Q5. What are the odds of you representing Samoa at the Olympics?
You know Vaelei that’s a very difficult question to answer – and if I could answer in this way – provided that I stay honest to my training plan and work closely with my coaches Suzie Schuster, Shaun Curtis and Samoa Swimming then the odds are in my favor but if I was to constantly worry about what could go wrong or speculate then the odds change. However, if all goes well this year with the Olympics and Paralympics, then it’ll be a dream come to compete in the highest level of sports.
In so far as preparing for Tokyo and my general attitude – ‘all systems are go’ and whatever the outcome in the short term I will train for the long term. Like many of us in these trying times I recall what my grandma used to say …” Have faith and just focus on what lies ahead. God will provide” So yeah I can only do my very best whatever the odds and so representing my birth country will be my greatest honor and privilege.
All in all, my gratitude to our current leadership starting from Hon PM Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi Aiono and the Samoan Sports Association for everything that has been done to enable us athletes to participate in rare opportunities like these– Fa’afetai Tele