LEAVING behind a pregnant wife and a three year-old son for more than three months is not an easy decision any man would choose but for Manueli Tulo he made this big decision to answer the call of duty.
Little did he know that the decision he made could have been fateful after his family house in Baba, Ovalau was fully destroyed by Tropical Cyclone Winston.
In an interview with Tulo at the Olympic Village in Rio, the 26-year-old said he was away at a training camp in Noumea when the cyclone hit Fiji.
His thoughts and prayers were with his family during the cyclone but he was stuck in a tight corner with no option knowing a trip to the village would be impossible because of mother nature.
Secondly, he had a commitment to be loyal to his decision and to give his best for the country.
Luckily for Tulo, he had relatives, parents and his in-laws back at Baba settlement who stepped forward and looked after his family.
Even upon his return to Fiji in May, he had no time to visit his family back in the Old Capital as he was chosen to represent Fiji at the Oceania Weightlifting Championships in May. It was also the same month Tulo’s wife gave birth to their second child.
Again, Tulo missed this crucial opportunity because a trip to the island would waste all the efforts put in from the beginning of the year and would also cost him his place at the Rio Olympics.
As Tulo departed with Team Fiji to Rio, he hasn’t seen his newborn nor their demolished house in Baba, instead has focused to do his best at the Olympics for the country, return home, reunite with his loved ones and start a new journey with his three angels.
“I departed home this year I was so emotional leaving behind my pregnant wife and my son to be on their own as I have an obligation to my country,” said Tulo.
“Leaving behind my young family was hard but we have talked about it with my wife and even she had agreed. I was still hurt inside because I knew I had a responsibility to look after.
“I thank my wife for her support, my dad, my in-laws and relatives who have been helping the family out in my absence.
“I missed my wife, my son and dad during the cyclone because it devastated the whole of Ovalau. I wanted to come but I couldn’t.
“I thank the Lord for protecting my family.
“Until now, I haven’t seen our house, I was told by my dad that the house is still down so maybe after the Olympics I will start rebuilding.
“Most importantly I have not seen my newborn daughter, I want to complete my mission first especially the sacrifices and hard work done.
“This is a great opportunity to give back the smile to our people especially my wife and children.”
Tulo said he wanted to dedicate this Olympics outing to his wife Maria Liku, son, Tevita Jordan and baby daughter Nichollete.
“This Olympics is special to me and I will be dedicating it to three special people in my life, my wife and two children,” he said.
“My aim is to do well and enjoy the moment.”
For someone who has started weight-lifting at a young age, the sport is part of his life.
“I have been in this sport at a very young age and weight-lifting is in my blood that is the reason I joined this sports after two years break.
“And this week I will make sure that I will give my best for the country, its people and to my family.”
Win, or lose, Tulo should be remembered for the sacrifices he has made for this proud nation just like those heroes that are part of Fiji’s history today let alone his colourful career and proud moments he won gold medals for the country.
He was Fiji Sportsman of the Year in 2008 and surely his name will go down as one of the best sportspersons.
