Tuva'a Clifton, the Olympian

NEWS | GAMES

Written by Caeden Tipler (they/them) | @caedentipler | News Editor

Tuva’a Clifton is well-known in the student journalism world. He was a beloved musician in the band JUNIOR JUNIOR. He’s now a Radio Host at 95bFM and recently founded Cheap Whines, the “political podcast for the Gen Z of Aotearoa”. 

He also happens to be an Olympian. 

After competing for the first time in Tokyo 2020, he’s recently qualified for this year’s Paris Olympics. Ahead of his upcoming trip, Clifton spoke to Debate about his sporting career so far. 

How did Sprint Canoe (Kayak) become your sport?

I did surf life saving growing up, and still do to this day. It has a big sporting component to it which I love. One of the parts of Surf Sports is the Surf ski, which is basically a kayak that goes in the waves. I wanted to get better at this part, so I decided to join the local Kayak Club (flat water kayaking), but eventually really liked flat water kayaking so I started competing in it too. 12 years later, I’m off to the Olympics for it!

What do you love about competing?

I really enjoy the feeling of trying to do the best you can do after training for months or years. Even though you may not win any medals, you always strive for personal goals such as making it out of a heat or trying to get a personal best time. When you reach those little milestones, it’s the best feeling ever. That same feeling is hard to replicate in other parts of life

Is there anything you don't love?

Sometimes when it’s the middle of winter and it’s really cold, windy and rainy, and you're really tired, the thought of sleeping in and skipping training sounds amazing. But you know that you're not going to get faster by missing training so you force yourself to go. That can be really tough.

What is it like competing for Samoa, but training in New Zealand?

Competing for Samoa has given me so many opportunities that I otherwise wouldn’t have gotten. Being part Samoan myself (on my mothers side) I feel competing for Samoa is helping me connect with my Samoan side of my family. Unfortunately, there are no facilities for kayaking in Samoa so it has been very helpful to be able to train in New Zealand.

What are you most excited about for the Olympics? What are you most nervous about?

I’m really looking forward to being there amongst the excitement of the Olympic Games, putting my training to the test and trying to achieve at least a personal best time. My whole family will be there in person to watch, so I’m also excited to be there in Europe with them for the big event. My younger sister, Samalulu Clifton, has also qualified for the Olympics in the Women's Kayak (K1 500m), so it will be cool to also compete alongside her. A trip to remember!

When will you be competing? 

I will be competing on the 7th August. My racing will start at around 8pm NZ time.