Hard work work has enabled Jiuta Wainiqolo to develop his game, win an Olympic Games gold medal and now professional rugby contract in France.
Back home, but in quarantine in Nadi after five months away, the former Ratu Kadavulevu School student said he was glad to be home,
Wainiqolo started his sports career as a football player while attending Vashist Muni Primary School and Vashist Muni College in Navua.
“I didn’t play rugby a lot I was more into football playing during recess and lunch times and then I moved up to secondary school taking part in the Southern Zone competition.
“I went around Fiji representing my school and I enjoy playing soccer.
“From there I was then chosen to be part of the Fiji under-20 extended squad but unfortunately I couldn’t make it to the final squad.
“I guess it was God’s will for me not to make it, I came back home and watching the 2016 Olympic Games 7s win celebration in Suva, I told myself that I will be the next Olympian and it was my dream to make the Fiji team.
The Nayavuira, Ra lad with maternal links to Vatulele Village said when watching that Rio victory celebration in Suva he challenged himself to work harder.
“I thank Naca Cawanibuka for encouraging and motivating me to work harder.
“He kept pushing me to go an extra mile.
“When I joined the Fiji 7s team training I thought I wouldn’t make it. The training was hard but I managed to get through it.
“Preparing for the Olympics and then suddenly the lockdown being away from our families for five months was so hard.
“It was hard that some of us wanted to break camp but our coach helped us through and I guess it was all worth it.
“To be given this opportunity you know you won’t get it again so make use of it now.”
He thanked the management for having faith in them even though it was a tough journey but it was all worth it.
He has recently secured a three-year deal with French Top 14 club Toulon.
