‘We are representing New Zealand and we carry Sāmoa’

Two of New Zealand’s sevens stars are the only Pacific athletes at this year's Paris Olympics to strike gold.

The Black Ferns Sevens’ Theresa Matauaina Setefano and Alena Saili were part of the record-breaking squad who won back-to-back gold at this year's games.

Setefano told PMN News the magnitude of the achievement was supported by their families who joined them in Paris.

“It’s been pretty surreal to be honest. Straight off the field, the energy was high, getting to see our family and all our friends who came from New Zealand to support.

“That was probably one of the coolest things that we were able to bring our families over to experience Paris (and) to experience an Olympic final.

“And then to win gold in front of them was definitely a memory I’ll never forget and never take away.”

For 25-year-old Alena Saili, she said bringing her dad to Paris was a huge highlight.

“For me being able to bring my parents over, my dad is from a village in Sāmoa (Luatunu’u) so for him to travel all the way here to Paris, France it’s a dream come true for him.

“To be able to bring this gold medal home for him, the country, and my family is a dream come true. We’ve been working for this for three years and to be able to hold it in our hands, we’re absolutely stoked.”

PMN correspondent James Nokise mentioned a moment when Saili's dad sang “Ua Fa’afetai” in response to the gold medal win.

Saili recalled that the last time the Ferns sang that song brought back powerful memories.

“The last time we sang it for our team I got really emotional about it because obviously we’re of Sāmoan descent. So to have my dad start that song and have ua fa’afetai sung for us brings out our 685 side and I’m proud to represent that all day.

“I just wish we had a Sāmoan flag to wave for me and Theresa, because we proudly represent Sāmoa and (we’re) forever grateful for our ancestors and parents for getting us here.”

Pacific Gold Medalists

Setefano and Saili join a small contingent of Pacific athletes who have won gold at an Olympics. The pair also join Dame Valerie Adams as some of the only female athletes of Pacific heritage to win a gold medal.

Setefano said competing as an athlete of Pacific heritage is something they keep close.

“It’s always in the back of our minds, like Lena said we’re Sāmoan and we hold that in high regard. We are representing New Zealand but our names we carry are Sāmoan and we’re proudly Pacific.

“We know that young Pacific people do look up to us, so we try our best to represent and be to ourselves on the world stage. To show them that anything is possible.

“It’s pretty cool to share little moments in our journey where we’re able to express our Sāmoan culture.”

Listen to the full interview here:

Southland success

In striking gold, the Southland native Alena Saili became the first athlete from Invercargill to win back-to-back gold at an Olympics.

The Southland Girls High School alumni said she was surprised by the news of the achievement.

“Honestly it’s pretty surreal. I had an interview last night with one of the reporters from Invercargill saying I was the first Olympian from Invercargill to go back to back gold” she explains.

“To be able to represent my Sāmoan heritage and to come from Southland, a little town in New Zealand I’m very grateful to put my town on the map and really represent it.

“Southland all the way, up the Stags!” she exclaims.

A message for home

As the Olympics’ closing ceremony marked the end of this year's games, we’ve seen the thrill and agony of sports encompassed at this year's games.

For the two Black Ferns stars who have now landed back in New Zealand, they will be spending their time with loved ones.

“A lot of r&r for everyone. It’s been a pretty big three years aiming for this pinnacle event. We’ve really worked hard and probably haven’t spent a lot of time with family and friends,” says Setefano.

“So this is the perfect time, we’re just gonna relax, enjoy the company, enjoy the soul food guilt free. To be able to share this accomplishment for our friends and family back home.”

For Saili, she said winning gold reinforces the team's unwavering commitment over the years.

“For me, I’ve envisioned this and manifested this for so long and to have it here is surreal for me. We did that, all the blood sweat and tears, the fights and rumbles we had against each other, that’s what makes us the best in the world.

“To have this in my hands here, I’m so proud to be a Kiwi to be from New Zealand, be of Sāmoan descent.

“This is for everyone who’s supported us the whole way.”

PMN's Olympics coverage is brought to you by Pasifika Medical Association Group.