LOTE Raikabula is one who pursues excellence every time he runs onto the rugby field.
Having logged up 50 events on the HSBS IRB Sevens World Series — one behind captain DJ Forbes — since his debut in 2006, the Nairai native from Lomaiviti has become one of New Zealand's leading sevens players.
With two Commonwealth Games medals in the bag, the 28-year-old is after the Olympic Games title in Rio de Janeiro in four years time.
But with age catching up, it's the passion for the game that sees Raikabula return every year, taking one event at a time.
"I'm looking forward to it (2016 Olympic Games) but there's the World Cup and Commonwealth Games that's up first," Raikabula said. "I think the younger players have also set their sights on the 2016 Olympics. For players who have been with the team over the years we are taking one tournament at a time. There's a lot of pressure when pulling on the black jersey.
"I'm 28-years old now and I believe that I will be around for the Olympics. I've been praying that I do reach the Olympics but if it's God's will that I don't, then so be it. Right now, I'm leaving everything in God's hands."
Raikabula, who has scored 566 points on the series, notching up 88 tries and 63 conversions, said the world sevens circuit was getting tougher every year.
He said everyone wanted in on the action with the Olympics around the corner.
"The competitive level of the series has increased a lot. The smaller teams are beginning to catch up," he said.
"With the sport now being part of the Olympics, a lot of countries are pouring in money into developing their sevens players. The series is now beginning to get tougher."
So what motivates Raikabula to keep playing at the highest level?
"I guess I'm pretty competitive. I hate losing and even when we win tournaments I'm never satisfied with my performance," he said.
"I love helping young fellas coming through the sevens system.
"Putting on that black (NZ) jersey is motivation enough to keep coming back tournament after tournament. To be one of only 12 players in New Zealand to put on the jersey is a great feeling."