Born and raised in Korotogo, Nadroga, Fiji 7s forward Jasa Veremalua never looked back or gave up on his dream since making his debut for the national side in 2013.
Veremalua who has become a world class sevens player is rated as one of the best off-loaders in the World Sevens Series.
His selection in the final 12 to the Rio Olympics was expected as he continues his fine form after winning the first ever DHL Impact Player Award last season.
The 28-year-old says he is grateful for the opportunity and to be part of the first Fiji 7s team to play in the Olympics.
Coach Ben Ryan agreed that Veremalua has been consistent throughout.
Veremalua was playing for the Red Rock 7's team from 2012.
His father passed away in 2005 when he was just 19 and he was encouraged by his mother to never give up his dreams.
He attended Sigatoka Methodist Primary School, Sigatoka Methodist College and then went on to St Thomas High School in Lautoka.
His stats points tallied up to 360 across the series.
Meanwhile the team will have a training session at Raviravi Village in Beqa Island on Friday.
They will also present their I-tatau to the President at 9am today. Join us as we will have live video coverage of Team Fiji's I-tatau on our facebook page: fijivillage
The women's team leaves for Rio on Saturday while the men's team leaves next Tuesday.
Fiji will take on Brazil in their first Rio Olympics pool game at 4.30am on August 10th, they will then face Argentina at 9.30am before taking on USA at 4.30am on August 11th.
Related:
The official team list of the athletes participating at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Officials
Chef De Mission: Cathy Wong, Deputy chef de mission: Wayne O'Connor, Administrative personnel/Press Attaché : Sitiveni Tawakevou, Medical: Vaigalo McCaig, Physio: Sarote Nakaora
1. Archery
Section manager Monika Elder, Coach Chong Yap Lee,
Athlete: Robert Elder
2. Athletics
Section manager Joseph Rodan, coaches James Goulding, Bola Tafou
Athletes: Leslie Copeland, Sisilia Seavula
3. Boxing
Coach: Napoleon Taumoepeau
Athlete Winston Hill
4. Football
Officials: General Manager Tarunesh Reddy, Section manager Yogendra Dutt, Coach: Frank Farina, Assistant coach Ravinesh Kumar, Doctor Ronal Kumar, Physio Varoon Karan
Athletes: Filipe Baravilala, Nickel Chand, Jale Dreloa, Setareki Hughes, Roy Krishna, Samuela Nabenia, Praneel Naidu, Shaneel Naidu, Osea Tikomailepanoni Turagabeci, Ratu Savenaca Nakalevu, Alvin Singh, Simione Tamanisau, Antonio Tuivuna, Iosefo Verevou, Saula Waqa, Ratu Tevita Waranivalu, Anish Khem
5. Rugby 7s Men
Section manager: Ropate Kauvesi, Coach: Ben Ryan, Assistant Coach: Nacani Cawanibuka, Physio: William Koong
Athletes
Kitione Dawai, Apisai Domolailai, Ratu Osea Kolinisau, Semi Kunatani, Viliame Mata, Leone Nakarawa, Samisoni Viriviri, Vatemo Ravouvou, Savenaca Rawaca, Josua Tuisova, Jasa Veremalua, Jerry Tuwai
Ro Masivesi Dakuwaqa(travelling reserve)
Rugby 7s Women
Section Manager: Mathew Dooley, Coach: Chris Cracknell, Assistant coach: Iliesa Tanivula, Physio: Jennifer Khalik
Athletes: Asena Rokomarama, Lavenia Tinai, Litia Naiqato, Luisa Tisolo, Merewai Cumu, Raijeli Daveua, Rebecca Tavo, Rusila Nagasau, Timaima Ravisa, Timaima Tamoi, Viniana Riwai, Ana Maria Roqica
Jiowana Sauto(travelling reserve)
6. Shooting
Section Manager Henry Stephen
Athlete: Glenn Kable
7. Swimming
Section manager Sharon Smith
Athlete: Matelita Buadromo, Meli Malani
8. Judo
Coach: Wasaki Takashi, Training Partner: Matsumoto Shuzo,
Athlete: Josateki Naulu
9. Table Tennis
Section Manager: Anthony Ho
Athlete: Sally Yee
10. Weightlifting
Section manager: Atma Maharaj
Coch: Joe Vueti
Athletes: Apolonia Vaivai, Manueli Tulo
