Juggling education and sports is a difficult thing to do as student but this is how Fiji National University student and Olympic gold medalist Iosefo Masi prepared for the Tokyo Olympic Games.
The 23-year-old Forestry student says he had to forgo several classes, particularly on Friday’s just so he can participate in the weekend rugby matches.
He says he has always been committed to his studies, but he is also passionate about rugby.
Masi says he needed to have a 75% attendance to pass his final exam and in sports, if he had to play in the weekend, he needed to train every day and most of the training sessions were usually held during the day.
He adds this was the most difficult phase as a student.
The Forestry student says he understands the difficulties of meeting deadlines and the struggles of a student’s life very well.
He says despite all these struggles, he has been able to balance his commitments well.
Masi says the energy to play in the national team came at the age of 15 when he was attending Holy Cross College in Wairiki, Taveuni. The 23-year-old moved to Suva from Taveuni to further develop his rugby skills where he attended Suva Grammar School and had the opportunity to play for the U-18 team in the 2016 Deans competition.
He later joined the Tabadamu Rugby Club before being chosen to represent Fiji at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics which he believes was the result of his years of hard work, grit and determination.
He adds it was an overwhelming experience to have played for Fiji.
FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Toby Wilkinson commended the young men for his achievement and his ability to balance his studies and interests.
Professor Wilkinson hopes Masi can be an inspiration to other students.
