Participating in the Olympics in my teenage years is unbelievable - 18-year-old Takayawa

It was a great effort from 18-year-old Team Fiji Judoka Gerard Takayawa as he went down to Slovakian Marius Fizel, ranked 16th in the world, in his first Olympic match last night.

Takayawa lost in a close match with 19 seconds left and it was quite an atmosphere for the first-time Olympian with the crowd chanting his name throughout his match.

The cheers and support for Takayawa continued even on his way out.

Takayawa says participating in the Olympics in his teenage years is unbelievable because he thought he will take part in the Games in his mid-20s.

The 18-year-old says the atmosphere during his match was electric and its great to continue the families legacy.

Team Fiji athletes and officials bid farewell to the men’s and women’s rugby 7s sides who depart France and start their journey home to Fiji.

Meanwhile, Fiji’s Table Tennis representative, Vicky Wu started Team Fiji’s departure from the Olympic Village yesterday as he returns for school in Australia.