More Samoan Athletes Expected to Qualify for the Paris Olympics

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 04 March 2024 – 21 Samoan athletes from 7 sports have already qualified for the Paris Summer Olympics in June and the Samoa Association of Sports & National Olympic Committee (SASNOC) says more could qualify following the qualifying competitions in progress.

The Chief Executive Officer of SASNOC, Tuala Mathew Vaea says there are many other sports undergoing qualifying competitions between now and the Olympics.

The 21 athletes who already qualify include Rugby 7’s, Sailing, Wrestling, Weightlifting, Kayak, Boxing and Athletics.

President of Sailing Rhema Von Reiche confirms one of their representatives is currently competing for spot in the Olympics at the Australian Open.

She also confirms that Eroni Leilua has already qualified for the Games and it will be his second Olympics having competed at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics.

Also vying for spots are the Samoan Swimming team and head coach Suzie Schuster said the competition is not easy.

Lapaki Samoa General Manager of High Performance, Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun is happy with the Mens Rugby 7’s qualification and is hopeful for the Women’s Rugby 7’s team chances in the upcoming competition next month.

The SASNOC team & various sports representatives with weightlifting athletes at the Team Samoa announcement.

Australia assists Team Samoa preparations
The Australian Government has also announced financial assistance of ST$124,200 to support the team’s preparations for Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics Games.

In announcing the funds, High Commission Second Secretary Patrick Lawson said “Sports is a shared passion between our two nations and such passion transcends languages and national borders.”

He said sport has the power to bring people and community together and the reason why Australian continues to invest in sports.

“We invest because we believe because it’s a transformation of power to lift the entire community,” he said.

Australian High Commission Second Secretary, Patrick Lawson.

SASNOC Vice President, Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork thanked the Government of Australia for their continuous support.

“We are very happy to continue our strong collaboration with the Australian Government, one again, to support our athletes through their final preparations for Paris 2024,” said Tuaopepe.

He said Paris would be a great opportunity for the Pacific and Samoan athletes to show the world that they can become some of the best athletes in the world.

Asked how much is needed to send Team Samoa and management to Paris, SASNOC Secretary Maureen Tuimalealiifano said at least ST$1 million.

SASNOC also announced Tuiletufuga Fritz Tuiavai’i as Team Samoa Chef de Mission for Paris Olympics 2024.

Sports & number of qualified athletes
Rugby 7’s   –12 men
Sailing         – (1) Eroni Leilua
Weightlifting – (2) Don Opeloge & Iuniarra Sipaia
Wrestling     – (2) Gaku Takasawa &Willie Alofipo
Athletics      – (1) (Alex Rose)
Kayak         – (2) Tuva’a & Samalaulu Clifton
Boxing        – (1) Ato Plodzicki Faoagali