Samoan gold medalist in Taekwondo takes to mat again
Pacific Games gold medalist in Taekwondo, Kaino Kasimani, will represent Samoa at the XVI Pacific Games.
"These Games remind me of my first Pacific Games in 2007. It brings back the time when I first won a gold medal for Samoa, which was a special event, and I’m willing to defend the title," said Kaino.
He paid tribute to his father and first coach, the late Fuataga Kasimani Lautusi.
"My father was definitely the pioneer of Taekwondo," he added. "He was the one that started the sport in Samoa and we’re keeping his memory alive."
Kaino was an Olympian at London 2012, and is also the current Samoan Taekwondo coach.
Photo: Kaino got the chance to try out equipment at the Games venue recently.
"The highlight would be making it to the Olympics and even though my dad didn’t see me compete because he passed away, he sure prepared me, put me on that path and watched me qualify," said Kaino.
"He made us run from Siumu to Afiamalu at 4am and then to Matautu to Vaoala and sometimes the Baha’i Temple in the evenings."
As he prepares for the Games, Kaino will be putting everything on the mat.
"My dad will say no matter how big your opponent is, make sure your heart is bigger," he said.
"I wish my dad was still alive. He pushed me to do my best in whatever I did and drove me to be the best with passion. It would be different if he was still alive…"
This week the Taekwondo team were able to try out the gear they’ll be wearing and the equipment they’ll be using at the Games with the sport's technical delegate, Stuart Lee from Australia present to ensure it is up to international standard.
Kaino was grateful for the opportunity for the team to get comfortable with the gear.
"We had the good chance to wear the gear that the athletes will be using for the Pacific Games. It was a bonus for us."
The Sport:
- Taekwondo will be held at the Harvest Centre located in Lotopa, two minutes from the Faleata Sports Complex.
- The 9th Taekwondo Oceania Championship will be hosted in conjunction with the Pacific Games on Tuesday 16 July.
