Samoan Siblings off to 2024 Paris Olympics

In the heart of Auckland, New Zealand, two siblings, Samalulu and Tuva’a Clifton, have been making a splash in the world of canoeing. 

Hailing from the villages of Malie, Fasito’o Uta, Lano and Safune, while their childhood was spent in Grey Lynn, Aotearoa the two have strong connections to their Samoan roots. 

“Fa’a Sāmoa has always been important to us. We both did bilingual education growing up at Richmond Rd Primary school as well as our growing up with our Samoan grandmother”

So when the time came to select the country they would represent in the upcoming Paris Olympics, choosing Samoa was a no brainer for them.

For Samalulu and Tuva’a, embracing their Fa’a Sāmoa identity has always been paramount. Their bilingual education and upbringing with their Samoan grandmother instilled a profound connection to their cultural roots. Representing Samoa holds special significance to the pair, Tuva’a stated 

The pair began their journey into canoeing by way of Surf Life Saving at Muriwai beach. First learning how to kayak as a way to help with surf ski, then later decided to train competitively in kayaking. 

While Samalulu competes in the women's category and Tuva’a in the men's, their training sessions bring a healthy dose of competition. Despite not racing against each other, the siblings train together, pushing each other to excel. 

“When it comes to things like who consistently turns up to training the most. We can get a bit competitive, as we call each other out if someone is slacking off a bit. This helps us to support each other to keep pushing through”

The siblings draw inspiration from the desire to make their family proud. Beyond familial pride, the sport has become an integral part of their lifestyle, shaping their characters and providing a platform to build lifelong friendships. The thought of representing their nation on the global stage and the enriching experiences that come with it serve as a constant motivator.

As Samalulu and Tuva’a embark on their Olympic journey, they carry with them the rich tapestry of their Samoan heritage, familial bonds, and the spirit of friendly competition. Their story serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, showcasing that with passion, dedication, and a deep connection to one's roots, dreams of Olympic glory can become a reality.