Venice Traill is the first athlete from Fiji to qualify for Taekwondo at the Olympics.
The 26-year-old will likely compete in the Under 70kg division on July 31st.
Hailing from Tubou, Lakeba in Lau, Traill’s journey to the Olympics began in an unexpected way.
“I was 14 when I took up Taekwondo. It was really me taking a nephew to a self-defence class,” she recounted. Despite her initial lack of awareness about Taekwondo’s status as an Olympic sport, her passion grew after representing Fiji at the Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea.
Currently juggling work at a call centre and a double major in Human Resources Management and International Business and Marketing at the University of the South Pacific, Traill has had to make significant adjustments to her routine. “My managers have been flexible and understanding. They allow me to start and finish early, ensuring my hours are completed so my pay isn’t affected. I’m very grateful for that support.”
Traill’s Olympic dream solidified when Fiji participated in the Oceania Taekwondo Olympic Qualifiers in Honiara, Solomon Islands in April this year.
“Back in 2021, in my journal, one of my long-term goals was to qualify for the Olympics. It still feels unreal, but I am so blessed to have made it this far.”
Her achievement is not just personal but also inspirational for others back home. “Every time I see and think how far I’ve come in this sport, I still can’t believe it. But it allows kids back at home to say, ‘Hey, if Venice can make it, a small girl from Nausori can make it, I can make it as well.'”
Training for the Olympics has been rigorous. “I’ve had a taste of what it feels like to compete against the world’s best. I’ve been to a world championship, and before coming to Paris, we also went to Korea, competing against high-ranking athletes. It has prepared me. I am nervous but at the same time, I know that I am ready.”
With the Olympics set to run from July 26th to August 11th, Traill remains focused on her goal. “I am just preparing myself mentally. I’ll focus on what I can control, but at the end of the day, I am looking forward to contesting for a medal.”
