The inspirational Fijiana 7s rugby team has won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics after beating a much more resourced Great Britain side by 21-12. The women’s side makes history for their country, as the first time Fiji has won two medals at the same Olympic Games.
Being away from family while their nation is battling covid-19, and with limited resources, the players put their bodies on the line and played with passion and determination.
The Fiji women’s side edged out 2016 bronze medalists Canada in pool play, then went on to knock out Rio Olympic champions Australia at the quarter-final. The Fijians were heartbroken to go down in the semi-finals to world champions New Zealand in a 22-17 match that went to extra time.
Prime Minister Bainimarama in his congratulatory message says Fiji has witnessed a legacy in the making from their women’s rugby side in Tokyo.
Bainimarama says ahead of the Rio Olympics in 2016, there were 200 registered women rugby players in Fiji, and four years later that number has more than quadrupled, with currently more than 1000 registered players.
The Prime Ministry is optimistic that the win will inspire thousands of young Fijian girls to join the sport in the future and says he is confident that the best from this team is yet to come.
Congratulations Fiji!
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