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The athletes travel to Hawaii for their last training session before the Va’a World Championships. Some of the 230 Polynesian athletes are first-timers, but the importance of teamwork in such an event is not lost on them. “The choice was very difficult because there were so many opponents. My goal is to bring the gold medal back to Tahiti with the whole team” said Cheyenne Avaemai, a junior women’s athlete. “We are in good form. The goal is always the podium. If we can get first place, we will go.” Roane Atu, captain of the junior boys team, added.
Others are regulars. Like eight-time world champion Karyl Maoni: “The pressure is always there. (…) I trained well and now I feel good compared to when I lost”.
Both the junior and senior teams are very confident, but they still have some areas to improve before the championships. Philippe Bernadino, the president of the selection committee and coach, carefully followed and gave instructions: “It’s no longer a physical training exercise, it’s more about technique, race tactics and cohesion, rowing together. It’s more like training for the remaining two days.”.
Although the Tahitian rowers have a positive attitude towards the competition, they are still afraid of some opponents. “The New Zealanders have got great speed and we can’t forget about the Hawaiians and the French at home. We still have work to do and we have to go and get those medals.” Vaimiti Maoni, a senior women’s athlete and champion, admitted.
The Polynesian team will fly to Hawaii this Saturday night to compete in the tournament.
The match will be broadcast live exclusively on TNTV TV and online.
Our guest, Rodolphe Apuarii, President of the Federation of Tahiti Vuá (FTV):
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