Alisi Lewavulawai could not hold back tears as she embraced her daughter and Fijiana women’s rugby 7s rep, Lavena Cavuru, when she arrived home in Vunato, Lautoka, yesterday.

Cavuru, 27, a dual international was part of the bronze medal winning side from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan.

Mrs Lewavulawai, 62, said she had not seen her daughter for more than five months.

“I am over the moon to see my daughter with the medal hanging around her neck,” she said.

Cavuru dropped out of school when she was in Year Eight.

“Lavena was more focused on sports rather than earning for the family. At times I did feel that she was a burden to the family but despite that she was able to put our country and village on the world map,” she said.

Cavuru grew up in the village of Naqelewai in Nabaubuco, Naitasiri, and attended Naqelewai District School from year one to year six before moving with her family to Lautoka.

Mrs Lewavulawai said Cavuru’s elder sister, who was actively playing football, invited her to play and she ended up playing striker for Lautoka. Cavuru also represented the Fiji women’s football team during the Oceania championship in New Caledonia.

Meanwhile, families of Fijiana 7s forward Vasiti Solikoviti also hosted a welcoming party at Vaivai, Natabua, in Lautoka.

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