CARRYING the nation’s hope for a third consecutive Olympic gold medal, the Fiji men’s 7s team departed for France yesterday morning, bound for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Backline utility player, Iowane Teba, who is a part of Osea Kolinisau’s 15-member squad said he was excited to get back into the 7s fold after injuries plagued his career in the abbreviated code.
Recalled into the national 7s team in the HSBC 2023-24 SVNS Singapore 7s earlier this year, he impressed Kolinisau with his natural speed and playmaking abilities and forced his way into the final squad.
“To be out injured was tough and I thank the management for believing in me and giving me another chance,” he said.
Teba said the Olympics was the biggest sporting event globally and the onus was on the boys to perform well.
“My performance in the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s caught the eyes of the national coaches and they drafted me back in the squad.
“I am happy to be fully fit and I will give my best shot.”
The Nukubalavu native from Savusavu said his positive mind-set helped him while recovering from injuries.
“I told myself that this is just a phase and that I will be back.”
Teba said he was aware prior to his injuries, he had been in top form, and knowing that he could not play his next match because of injuries, he said it had been heartbreaking.
He said the nation’s hopes were pinned on them to perform well.
“All the teams are playing well but I feel we have a very good mix of players to defend our gold medal,” he said.
“There have been a lot of negative things that have been said about the team but we continue to be positive and to change things around and urge the fans to keep supporting the boys.”
Teba made his international debut in 2021 during the Dubai 7s.
