Team Fiji Women’s Rugby Sevens player, Laisana Likuceva, returned to play in her second Olympic Games for a special reason.
Sereana Salalo/PACNEWS
Their bronze medal win at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 inspired many young girls in Fiji, and elevated women’s rugby to another level in the country.
The 25-year-old scored Fiji’s second try during their opening match against Canada at the Stade de France; Fiji lost 14-17.
The Yasawa native made her return to the national side after two years off following the birth of her son, Mesake Nasalo Bolaca.
“It was a different feeling in Tokyo.
“Now I play for my son, and I hope it will inspire my little boy,” she said.
Likuceva is married to former national rep and 2020 Olympian Napolioni Bolaca.
Her journey back to compete for an Olympic spot after giving birth was not easy.
“I’ve been out for awhile, started again from the bottom, and made it to my second Games; I did not think I'd make it,” Likuceva said.
“It was tough, but I thank those that pushed me – my family, coaches, and senior players.
“I praise God for His plans.”
The Fijian ladies will meet the Black Ferns tomorrow in their final match at 4:30 pm (France Time).
“I’d like to thank God for giving us the strength to come back in the second half of that first match. We pushed each other and believed we could do it.”
Fiji played China in their second pool match, falling to a 12-40 loss.
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