Samalulu Clifton and her big brother, Tuva'a, are in samoa's 24-strong Olympic team in Paris. Photo: Steve McArthur / www.photosport.nz
Auckland-based canoe sprint siblings Tuva'a and Samalulu Clifton are in Paris to represent Samoa at the Olympic Games.
They both have heats starting tonight, Tuva'a in the men's K1 1000m and Samalulu in the K1 500m.
They are the only kayakers in Samoa's 24-strong team.
From left, Tuva'a, Samululu and Aotea Clifton. Photo: supplied
The pair have spent 12 years honing their skills at Lake Pupuke, but this is the first time both have made it to the Olympics.
Tuva'a told Morning Report he competed for Samoa in Tokyo, while Samalulu is making her debut.
When asked about competing at the same regatta as his younger sister he responded: "She can really annoy me at times but it is quite nice to have her [here]."
He had recently moved home to save on costs for the Olympics trip and while there were obviously some ups and downs,Tuva'a said it had its advantages too.
They could go to training and the gym together as both focused on getting to Paris.
"So it has helped with our trainings working together and aiming for the Olympics together, and it is a bonus we both managed to qualify."
The pair after a training session in July. Photo: supplied
It felt good to compete for Samoa and be representing such a small country on the big stage, Tuva'a said. Although New Zealand raised they have Samoan heritage on their mother's side.
"By competing for Samoa we do get amongst our heritage and everyone in Samoa watches us ...we're really excited to be competing for Samoa."
For his Games buildup Tuva'a competed at the kayak world championships in Duisberg in Germany a year ago and the Oceania champs at Sydney where the siblings both qualified for the Olympics.
"So I'm looking forward to getting out there ...to race for Samoa ... and I'm in the deep end with the world's best which I'm excited about.
"I'm going to try not to fangirl over some of the other competitors that are in my heat with me because I have grown up watching them race and been like 'wow those guys are amazing' and I'm going to be on the start line with them so it's going to be a lot of mixed emotions."
Both got into canoeing via surf lifesaving at Muriwai beach.
Part of surf sports with lifesaving is the surf ski which is like a kayak that can go in waves.
They wanted to get better so they joined the local kayak club.
"That was 12 years ago and now kayaking is our main sport and we're at the Olympics."
