Olympic Games history was made as Fiji won gold in the men’s rugby sevens competition in style at the Deodoro Stadium on Thursday. “This is the climax, this is the biggest event in the world sports calendar, the Olympics”.
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“First of all, I thank the Lord, he has been our source of strength”, said Fijian captain Osea Kolinisau.
Britain’s normally watertight defence leaked holes everywhere, and Fiji nearly added a third try in five minutes, but Leone Nakarawa was hauled down just short of the line.
Speaking to the media later, Bainimarama recalled Cyclone Winston which struck Fiji in February, claiming the lives of 44 people and causing widespread devastation.
“I am contracted to Scarlets for two years so I don’t know about when I will play Sevens again – hats off to Scarlets for letting me do this – it has been the best experience of my life”, he added.
Overall, it’s fair to say rugby sevens has been a huge success on its Olympic debut, bringing a new audience to the sport and hopefully inspiring people around the world to pick up an oval ball.
The bronze medal match preceding the final perhaps set the tone as South Africa hammered Japan 54-14. Dan Norton scored the lone try for Great Britain.
Princess Anne had the honour of presenting the rugby sevens medal ceremony yesterday in Rio, as she handed gold, silver and bronze out to the top three teams.
Tuiqere said rugby is the most popular sport in Fiji, so the win was even more important.
A group of burly Fijian rugby players gather in a circle, eyes shut tight, heads thrown back and tears streaming down their cheeks, as they sing a hymn of victory.
“I just can’t believe it – it’s a dream come true and these boys are an absolutely incredible bunch of rugby players, bunch of men and they’re heroes for their country now”, he said.
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Fiji sevens players have had their eyes on the prize for a long time – it’s just not clear whether that prize was a gold medal or a Big Mac.
