Family. It might be the most important word in any language, and the word that resonates most with Queensland-based boxer Teremoana Jr Teremoana.
For Teremoana, family is the key reason he is making his Olympic debut in Paris in the 92+ kg division.
His start in the sport as a young boy can be traced back to his father, who is the driving force in Teremoana’s Olympic journey
“My dad always wanted me to fight,” he says.
“When I first started, I actually didn't like boxing. Even still to this day, I'm not a fan of boxing. I do it for my own reasons now, but up until I was 19, I was boxing, but didn't like it.
“I have a lot of respect for my father, and when you're a kid, you don't know anything, so you listen to your parents because they have the wisdom and the knowledge they've had through the years.
“So I just trusted him. He worked hard to get us in this position. My siblings and I have the opportunity to do things he never got to do. I'm using that opportunity now.
“I've now qualified for the Olympics. I have a goal, which is to represent my family and represent us like our family.”
The lead in to Paris has been successful for Teremoana.
After becoming Australian super heavyweight champion in 2023 by defeating New South Wales boxer Elvino Maroulis, he punched his ticket to Paris beating Samoan Elijah Mercury-Leafa at the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands.
He recently claimed victories at events including a USA invitational in April where he defeated reigning Olympic heavyweight bronze medalist Abner Teixeira from Brazil in the final.
When Teremoana takes to the ring at the Arena Paris Nord, he will become only the third Australian boxer to fight in the super heavyweight division, and the first since Johan Linde at London in 2012.
Linde, and Daniel Beahan at Beijing in 2008, didn’t make it past the first round. However, Teremoana is confident he can create history by making it to the top of the Olympic podium.
“I plan to beat everyone,” Teremoana says.
“Everyone else, they’re just obstacles because I'm trying to look at who's the best, and I'm trying to be the best.”
If he does achieve the ultimate prize, he’ll be doing so once again for his family and to ensure the Teremoana name is remembered.
“I just want to represent us in life. That's my goal,” he says.
“And I want to put our name into history forever. When I achieve a gold at the Olympics, I will have succeeded.”
The men's Boxing 92kg Round of 16 will be held at North Paris Arena on 29 July at 8.30pm (AEST).
This article was originally written for The Australian Olympic Team. You can read the published version here
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