Fiji's lone track olympian Sisilia Seavula is dedicated her Rio campaign to her compatriot Banuvei Tambakaucoro, who has dominated Pacific sprinting in recent times, but won't be at the games.
23 year old Tabakaucoro made the decision to pull out of Rio after being plagued by injury in recent months and not achieving a qualifying time.
He was offered a universality spot but declined it despite setting a new Fiji national record of 10.20 seconds at the Melanesian Athletics Champtions earlier this year.
Fiji sprint king Banuve Tabakaucoro. Photo: Oceania Athletics Association
Sprint coach Bola Tafou says Sisilia Seavula has a bit of extra motivation going into the Rio Games.
"They have been training partners from primary school so they are like family these two," Tafou said.
"Without Banuve going, she was talking to Banuve and told Banuve she would go there and do her best for him", he said.
"They were speaking to each other and even Banuve was saying 'sorry I cannot be there for you' and she was saying 'don't worry I will represent for both of us'.
"That was something that really touched me. It really drives Sisilia."
