Olympic Gold Medal winning Fiji 7s Coach, Gareth Baber says the incredible journey that he and his team were on as they prepared to defend the Olympic Gold medal in the midst of a global pandemic was called the 'Hero's Journey'.
While speaking from Japan, Baber says this includes months staying away from their loved ones, feeling overwhelmed because the players were not able to look after their families, and players even contemplating breaking camp.
When asked by Legend FM News if Baber could share some of the motivating words he shared with the players when things seemed to be falling apart, Baber says he knew going through this Hero's Journey was going to be tough at times.
He further says he knew players were going to question the motivation, the sacrifices they were making and the pain they were going through.
Baber adds reflecting on the process the players were going through is a good mechanism he uses in coaching to give the players some sort of objectivity and not get too emotional about certain situations.
Baber says there were certain situations that got too emotional and ultimately in that relationship he became the bad father as he was not allowing them to go home.
Baber also shared about his relationship with Jerry Tuwai and how it got strained during the difficult periods.
He further says he always knew that Tuwai was going to deliver.
He also thanked the FRU for their continuous support.
Fiji beat New Zealand 27-12 in the Olympic 7s final last night.
It was also a historic moment for Jerry Tuwai as he is the first 7s player to win two Olympic gold medals in rugby.
Fiji 7s Men’s Coach, Gareth Baber says he is grateful for the support and experience of Captain, Jerry Tuwai and Trainer Nacanieli Cawanibuka on the road to win the Tokyo Olympics 7s Competition.
Speaking from Tokyo, Baber has also thanked all the players and staff who were on the journey to Tokyo over the last four years.
Baber has also thanked his Assistant Coach, Brad Harris who has put an immense sacrifice in terms of leaving his family in Australia, the work he has put in and the rapport that he has built with the players that has elevated Fiji once again.
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