Jai Opetaia, the 27-year-old IBF World Cruiserweight champion and a Samoan, received the Gold Coast Sports Star of the Year award at a ceremony held at the RACV Royal Pines Resort in Australia last Saturday. He considered the recognition an accomplishment that he had earned, not been given.
In a social media post, Jai expressed his gratitude to his team and said that he was excited to get back to work. At the same event, other athletes, including freestyle swimmer Flynn Southam and wheelchair rugby player Ella Sabljak, were honored with awards.
Jai recently visited Samoa and developed a stronger connection to his Samoan heritage through his family. He said that he was overwhelmed by the warm welcome, recognition, respect, and support he received from the Samoan people. He added that he values his Samoan culture and is eager to learn more about it.
Jai expressed his interest in receiving a traditional Samoan tattoo and a matai title, but he believes that he needs to become more familiar with his culture before earning such distinctions.