Page 35 - IB February 2024

Sports Sports

ahead and make the right moves to be the winner.” familiarise yourself with the elements. It’s very important
Leilua has played different types of sports but sailing is the for me to get to France before the Olympics, so I’m working
most challenging of them all. through that right now.”
“The weather is the main variable. We can’t control it. You Time is also a challenge. “I have a full-time job. It’s a bit
have to keep adjusting to the situation. In other sports, their hard trying to balance work with training and travelling.
biggest variable is their opponent or competitor but for us, it Most of the other sailors do this full-time so they definitely
is the weather. have the benefit of having more training and getting to many
“You really have to learn how to read the weather, watching competitions to become better.
the clouds and understanding the ocean currents, the tides “So, I’ve got to work within my means. My workplace has
and at the same time keeping an eye on your competitors to been really good to me. They always give me some time
see where they are. off to be able to compete. I know it’s not the same as my
“There are a lot of different things happening and it all competitors but you’ve got to give it your all.”
contributes to making your boat as fast as you can. It’s a very The 30-year-old Leilua underlines that sailing needs more
busy sport. It’s very physical and tactical. You have to be both exposure.
physically and mentally ready for it. And that is why I love it,” “It’s definitely a minority sport in the Pacific. I think the
says Leilua. biggest reason for that is the lack of exposure. We don’t have
With his Olympic regatta confirmed in December last year, proper programs in place to give exposure to our kids. We
this will be another historical moment for the Samoan as he don’t have school programs which I’m looking to try and set
prepares for his voyage to Paris. up.
“I’ve learnt a lot from my last campaign to Tokyo 2021 “My biggest motivation is my family and making them proud.
and I’ve worked out a system that works best for me and my They have supported me in every way possible on my journey
situation,” he said. since the very beginning and have travelled big distances to be
One of his biggest challenges will be getting financial by my side, helping me out. I’m also very motivated to succeed
support. and be a positive role model for young Samoans and Pacific
“It is an encumbrance to the things I should do, especially Islanders wanting to pursue the sport of sailing and water
around my training and preparations. You have to get to sports in general.”
the places where the competition is going to be held to

Islands Business, February 2024 35