New Zealand rowing legend and Rio Olympics gold medallist Mahe Drysdale met up with men’s rugby sevens gold medallist Vatemo Ravouvou at the Paradise Cove Resort in Yasawa yesterday.

Drysdale who won the men’s single sculls event has been in the sport for the last 16 years competing in his fourth Olympics Games. The Kiwi was impressed as he witnessed how Ravouvou was pampered by Fijians on the resort.

“It is pretty fantastic and exciting to see the locals, staff and guests appreciate us with a warm welcome, this also includes the Fijian 7s rep,” the five time world champion said.

“This shows how much the Olympic gold medal win means to all Fijians as everyone gets behind it and celebrate.”

Drysdale also won a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics but settled for a bronze in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He arrived into the county on Tuesday for a five-day vacation. Resort assistant general manager Tim Tuiqali said the occasion meant a lot to the staff members.

WAY FORWARD

Youths of the villages of Kese and Muaira in the Yasawas have been motivated to follow the footsteps of Olympic gold medal winner Vatemo Rouvouvou.

The wily playmaker was holding a coaching clinic with youths in the village green as he showed them skills he is well known for. Pita Ratuvou, 17, who dropped out of high school said he sees rugby as a way forward.

“I left school for some personnel reasons this year and now I’m convinced to be a rugby player who can have a better future and also do the nation proud,” he said.

“I know it is not easy just as Vatemo had said since he arrived on the island.” Another youth Samuela Ravusou said he is contemplating on playing rugby as it offer a bright future.

Ravouvou said with the right attitude anyone can succeed in sports.

“This is the same green where it all started some years ago and it is good feeling to be here and give something back to the community,” he said.

“I got motivated by watching the game being played and now it is their turn. I am here to recharge myself and continue the journey of my rugby career. It is always refreshing to be back just as my father and brothers did during their days.”