Tokyo Olympics: Australia’s lifeline to help Pacific Islands athletes compete at Tokyo Games

The Department of Foreign Affairs has signed a major agreement to ensure athletes from the Pacific Islands can compete at the Tokyo Olympics.

Exclusive: Foreign affairs has signed a historic agreement with the Australian Olympic Committee to ensure 170 athletes from the Pacific Islands make the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.

The Pacific nations and their athletes have been greatly impacted by Covid and were at risk of missing out on critical qualifying events and training opportunities necessary to claim spots for the Tokyo Games.

But now athletes from Fiji, Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu will receive funding to complete their training and qualification programs.

This includes the likes of Tonga’s Pita Taufatofua who is attempting to make his third Olympics.

Tonga’s Pita Taufatofua is attempting to make his third Olympics. Picture: AFP

Taufatofua, 37, became widely known after footage of his appearance at the opening ceremony for the Rio Games — oiled and sans shirt — went viral.

He was flag-bearer for Tonga in 2016 Summer Olympics and backed up his slick opening ceremony look at the 2018 Winter Olympics.

The Tongan taekwondo athlete, turned cross country skier, now lives in Australia and has qualified for his third Olympics in taekwondo.

But he is also holding out hope a miracle will happen and he will qualify in kayaking as well.

“It’s hard to be an Olympic athlete and it’s 10 times harder when you’re from the Pacific Islands so this funding is a much needed welcome boost,” he said.

“I was meant to go to Russia to qualify for the kayak but couldn’t get to Russia because of COVID … the previous qualifier (opportunity) I had broken ribs.

“I am still hoping for a miracle but I might just have to get over to the kayak venue and if a lane is free just jump in.”

AOC CEO Matt Carroll spoke about the opportunity of uniting the Pacific through sport and the significance of developing this partnership.

“The Olympic and Paralympic Games creates opportunity and inspiration for nations across the world,” he said.

“This program is not just about backing high performance programs across the Pacific, it’s about aiding athletes in the realisation of their Olympic and Paralympic dreams and the impact this has on their communities.

“We’re not only helping athletes but working to inspire the next generation from the Pacific.”

AOC CEO Matt Carroll said the Olympic and Paralympic Games “creates opportunity and inspiration for nations across the world.” Picture: AFP

The Australian Government is providing the funding through the PacificAus Sports program and the AOC will provide expertise in program strategy.

They will assess the needs and requirements of teams to successfully finalise their qualification plans and work with Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) on the administration of grant funding.

The funding, believed to be six figures, comes amid China’s growing influence in the South Pacific and Australia’s strained relationship with the global giant.

Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women Marise Payne said sport sits close to the heart of Australia’s special bond with the Pacific.

“Sport provides a powerful linkage between countries in our region and it is important our talented sportspeople have the opportunity to compete at an elite level to do themselves and their nations proud,” Minister Payne said.

“The Australia-Pacific Olympic and Paralympic Partnership is helping to unlock the potential of a whole new generation of champions.

“I am also pleased to note the balanced representation of female and male athletes in this cohort.”