Oceania’s Best Wrestlers Gather in Samoa for Regional Showdown

2026-03-18 - 21:23

Only one day remains before the official opening of the Oceania Wrestling Championships for Seniors, Juniors, and Cadets at Tuanaimato Gym 1 this coming Friday. More than 10 teams have already arrived in Samoa, and the Oceania Weightlifting Institute and Academy at Tuanaimato was packed on Tuesday evening with wrestlers training together ahead of the tournament. Teams from American Samoa, Guam, New Zealand, Australia, and host nation Samoa were seen training together before the major event. Speaking to the media, wrestlers John Rojas and Rckaela Aquino from Guam said they are glad to represent their country in Oceania. “We are hoping this Oceania Championship will help qualify more female wrestlers for the Olympics,” said Ms Aquino. “The significant part of this tournament is representation. I get to come here and represent our young girls back home on the Oceania stage, so it’s really important.” Mr Rojas said his goal is to make it to the Olympics. “This is our dream as wrestlers from our country. We hope to reach the top and make it to the Olympics. We also hope to perform well in this competition so we can take one step closer to that dream.” The coach of the American Samoa wrestling team told the media that his main goal for the team is to enjoy the competition. He said whether the team wins or loses does not matter, as long as the athletes give one hundred percent effort and enjoy the experience. “I told my team, don’t worry about winning or losing. The most important thing is that you enjoy it and are happy,” he said. The American Samoa team has 14 boys and one girl competing in the Oceania Championships. Speaking to the media, President of the Samoa Wrestling Association, Tuaopepe Asiata Vui Jerry Wallwork, said all teams have arrived for the event. “O le faamoemoe o le Oceania Championships, Senior, Junior ma le Cadets o le vaiaso nei amata aloaia i le Aso Faraile agai i le Aso Sa e faatino ai le faamoemoe.” Tuaopepe said 13 to 14 countries have already arrived, with more than 100 athletes and 40 officials. As for Team Samoa, Tuaopepe said the team’s preparations are going well. “O loo lelei tapenaga a le tatou au, ua atoa le tausaga e le o misi lava toleniga. E iloa lava i luga o le malae le tulaga o tapenaga pe a oo mai le Aso Faraile.” The official opening of the event will be held on Friday, with the tournament beginning immediately after. The final day is scheduled for Sunday, when a beach wrestling competition will be held at Maninoa Beach.