Sereana Salalo/PACNEWS

While every athlete was focused on their event in Honiara in November last year, the 24-year-old Nakuku, Vaturova, Cakaudrove native was running around to lodge his Australian visa; he shares maternal links to Naroi, Moala, Lau.

Competing at the Sails Sydney was his only ticket to qualify for the Paris Games.

Team Fiji was given two spots for sailing.  

However, when Ratulu got to Sydney, he was told that there was only one Olympic spot available, he competed anyway.  

Ratulu started sailing at nine-years-old while growing up in Navita settlement in Savusavu.  

“It was just for fun, little did I know that was the sport that is going to take you overseas to the Olympics,” he said.

“This journey coming to the Olympics wasn't so easy.  

“I could really show the kids back at home trying to follow the footsteps that I have taken.  

“It was through the support of Jeff Taylor and his business partner Tony Philips, that Ratulu made it to Sydney.

They have been supporting his sailing journey since their paths crossed about 15 years ago.  

“They knew that I didn't get a medal (at the Pacific Games) but still they supported me for the Sydney Sails.

“They told me Vili, this is your last chance, the last shot to make it.  

“I didn't even know that I was going to qualify.  

“As soon as they told me, there's only one spot, everything just went down. Because I know I can't beat Eroni (Samoa sailor) because he's been training, traveling, and doing all these worlds.

"I just said I’ve got nothing to lose but more to gain you lose this; you lose this, you gain experience, that's all,” he said.  

Ratulu was surprised when he was told by an Australian Sailing coach that his name was on the list to be the second sailor from Fiji qualified for Paris 2024.

“I didn't tell anyone; I went back home and pinched myself if this was really happening.

“Two days later, I had to wait for World Sailing to repost it that's when I sent it to Fiji Yachting that I have qualified.”

He is grateful to Taylor who made him fall in love with the sport since 2009, saw his potential and supported him through his journey.  

Like any athlete, Ratulu also had his fair share of challenges.

He was travelling to Viti Levu monthly while looking after his mother and two sisters.  

He also put on hold constructing their new house, while pursue to dream to be at the Olympics.  

He was grateful to be given a job by Lisa Philip in Vuda where he worked and trained at the same time.  

“My goal is to grab as much experience and knowledge as I can,” Ratulu said.  

“I’m so blessed to be with coach Ian Neely, I think he is the most experienced coach here in Marseille.

“The Oceania team here has always been together; it feels like we’re home that we’re being able to support each other despite being competitors.”