SENIOR, UNDER 20, AND UNDER 17 OCEANIA WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS: TEAM SAMOA SETS THEIR SIGHTS ON VICTORY
Willie and Joshua Alofipo with coach Gaku Akazawa (Photo: Samoa Wrestling Fed)
With the experienced Gaku Akazawa at the helm, Team Samoa's wrestling squad is gearing up for the highly anticipated Wrestling Oceania Championships in Canberra, scheduled for August 8th to the 9th, 2023. The team, which comprises a mix of seasoned athletes and promising young talents, has been putting in grueling hours of training twice a day, and at times even three, in preparation for the upcoming challenge. One of the remarkable stories of the team is that of Willie Alofipo, a 26-year-old former rugby player making waves in the wrestling world after his international debut last year. Alongside him is his nephew, Joshua Alofipo, a rising star in the making. Let's delve into the details of Team Samoa's key contenders and their ambitions for the Championships.
Willie Alofipo: A Journey from Rugby to Wrestling
Willie Alofipo during competition last year (Photo: Gaku Akazawa)
Hailing from the village of Saleaula, Willie Alofipo, 26, has undergone a remarkable transformation from being a former rugby player to a formidable wrestler. Weighing in at 97kg, Willie will be competing in the Senior, Freestyle, and Greco-Roman Style categories at the Oceania Championships. Despite his relatively short time in the sport, Willie has been intensely training in wrestling for three years, demonstrating a remarkable level of commitment and determination. Last year, he made his international debut at the Commonwealth Games in England, where he secured an impressive 5th place in the freestyle 97kg category. With the upcoming Championships in sight, Willie is eager for a rematch against an Australian opponent who defeated him in last year's Commonwealth Games bronze medal match.
Joshua Alofipo: A Rising Star with Two Years of Training
At just 16 years old, Joshua Alofipo, the nephew of Willie Alofipo, is already making a name for himself in the wrestling circuit. Representing Team Samoa, Joshua will be competing in the Under 17 and Under 20 divisions for both Freestyle and Greco-Roman styles. Joshua's passion for wrestling has driven him to train rigorously for two years, refining his techniques and skills. Although this will be Joshua's first-ever competition, his coach believes that his consistent and focused training regime will give him a fighting chance at the Championships. Coming from the same village as his uncle, Joshua draws inspiration from Willie's achievements and is determined to leave his mark on the wrestling world.
Gaku Akazawa: A Dedicated Coach and Competitor
Not only is Gaku Akazawa an experienced coach, but he is also representing Team Samoa as a wrestler in the Oceania Championships. With years of wrestling knowledge and a strong sense of camaraderie with his fellow teammates, Gaku brings a unique perspective to both his coaching and competitive roles. As a competitor, he understands the challenges and pressures faced by his team, which motivates him to provide the best guidance possible.
Willie Alofipo & Gaku Akazawa (Photo: Gaku Akazawa)
Guiding the Team to Success
In his dual role as both coach and wrestler, Gaku Akazawa has been instrumental in preparing Team Samoa for the upcoming battles. With his expertise and strategic approach, he has been leading by example and inspiring the team with his dedication to the sport. Coach Akazawa emphasizes the importance of rigorous sparring sessions with players from other countries during their training camp, recognizing that such exposure will prove invaluable to the growth of the athletes and their skills.
The Final Goal: The Olympics
As Team Samoa gears up for the Oceania Championships, Coach Akazawa's ultimate ambition for his team is to compete at the grandest stage of all—the Olympics. The journey may be long and arduous, but with the right determination, training, and opportunities, the team believes they have what it takes to make their mark on the global stage.
With a diverse mix of experienced wrestlers like Willie Alofipo, who has been training for three years, and rising talents like Joshua Alofipo, with two years of training, and the guidance of Coach and competitor Gaku Akazawa, Team Samoa is set to make a strong impression at the Senior, Under 20, and Under 17 Oceania Wrestling Championships in Canberra. The team's unwavering dedication, paired with the leadership of Coach Akazawa, has instilled a sense of confidence and determination in each member. As the Championship dates draw near, wrestling enthusiasts and fans of Team Samoa eagerly await the showdown, where the team will put their skills and dedication to the test, aiming to etch their names in wrestling history.
