Saili helps NZ to gold - ‘it’s crazy’
Invercargill’s Alena Saili has become the region’s first double gold medalwinning Olympian.
Nathan Cohen was our first medal winner back in 2012 and then in 2021 in Tokyo it was Saili’s turn with the Black Ferns women’s sevens to claim gold.
Early yesterday morning, the 25-year-old was part of the Black Ferns sevens team who defeated Canada to win New Zealand’s first gold medal in Paris and the second of her career.
Saili, speaking to fans via social media, was blown away with how they went.
“I have no words, this is crazy, look at this, look at it sparkle.
“To have this is all the hard work me and my team have gone through the last three years, to come to fruition.
“I just want to thank all of NZ for waking up in the early hours to support us I know hopefully we have done you proud to bring home the first gold medal for New Zealand, we’re absolutely stoked and can’t wait to celebrate with you back home.”
Saili’s family are also over in Paris to support her. “We’re super proud of her. It’s absolutely amazing here in Paris, stoked to be over here to witness it.” Maima Saili responded via text message.
The Invercargill City Council posted on their Facebook page congratulating the Black Ferns for their efforts in Paris.
“A huge congratulations to the Black Ferns Sevens team for winning gold this morning. A special shout-out to Alena Saili from Southland, who is part of the team.
“The council building is proudly flying the flag of Southland to celebrate Alena and her team's incredible achievement.”
Her former school Southland Girls’ High School have also posted on Facebook saying how proud they are of her.
The former Southland Girls’ High School pupil and Academy Southland graduate is a former Southland Sportsperson of the Year winner for her Tokyo deeds back in 2021.
Saili, who is part of the Marist Club in Invercargill, produced two strong cameos off the bench to help New Zealand beat the United States in the semifinal and Canada to secure gold.
The win held special significance for Saili, who injured herself back in February and knew it would be a race against the clock to be back and fit for Paris.
She spoke to her old school when she was back home in 2021 and no doubt there will be something similar in 2024.
Corbin Strong is Southland’s next hope as he lines up in the men’s road race.