Discus thrower Alex Rose (© Getty Images)
Several historic firsts were achieved at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, including the first ever World Championships medals for Samoa, St Lucia and Uruguay, and a first ever World Championships gold for Tanzania.
A new three-part series kicks off with a letter from world discus bronze medallist Alex Rose to his nation, Samoa.
To my dear Samoa,
It has been 13 years since I donned my first Samoan uniform to throw the discus. The Southern Cross on the flag was an unfamiliar constellation, not visible from my small hometown in West Branch, Michigan. I remember being nervous, feeling a bit like an outsider – a palagi in unfamiliar territory. But from the moment that I met my first team manager Vaovai Tupu, may he rest in peace, and the rest of the athletes from team Samoa, I truly felt at home.
Throughout the years competing and visiting Samoa and many other Pacific Islands, Australia and New Zealand, I was shown the true meaning of Samoan culture – our Fa'a Samoa. The love and respect that every person is given, the sense of loyalty and fierce pride for our country, and the importance of community and faith. These experiences have forever changed me as a person, and I will always be grateful for the people of Samoa teaching me so much.
Back then I was young, and full of dreams. I wanted more than anything to represent the Samoan flag with pride, and show the world how great our small island truly is. I had always dreamed of the day when I would walk around the track at a championship, flag wrapped around my shoulders, medal around my neck, crying tears of joy.
On one magical night in Tokyo, on 21 September – the proudest moment of my career – I had the honour of doing just that.
Thank you, Samoa, for believing in me.
Thank you, Samoa, for giving me the honour of representing our beautiful country.
Fa'afetai lava, Samoa, for helping me embrace our Fa'a Samoa.
It has been, and continues to be, the greatest privilege of my career. The Southern Cross on my jersey is no longer unfamiliar like so many years ago. It rests close to my heart, where it has always belonged.
Alofa atu,
Alex Rose
