26/08/2021
Morgan's chartered a course for aspiring athletes
A (Coconut Tree Tale)
“Life is unchartered territory. It reveals its story one moment at a time.” - Leo Buscaglia
For 17 year old Fiji sailor Sophia Morgan, becoming an Olympian, is but the beginning of an awesome chapter of her rapidly unfolding sporting journey story, into unchartered waters.
Racing against the world's best sailors as a debutant at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan may have seen her finish in 42nd position overall but, her perseverence at such an early stage in sailing, makes her an inspiration to many.
“To be competing was exciting BUT scary, my opponents were older and experienced.”
“I enjoyed competition the most – I’ve only ever seen majority of the sailors competing on Television and to be up there with them on the water is scary – they look at you and are like… hmmm, I’ve never heard of you before.”
makes a shout out to the Fasanoc Athletes' Commission for organizing live chats with our Fiji Olympians, post Tokyo 2020. (Eugene Vollmer – Fiji Triple Jumper - awesome moderating)!
Kudos to you all for this awesome platform https://www.facebook.com/fasanoc.athletes/videos/1688558361345028/
It's discussion points have allowed us the privilege, of adding some color to our tribute write-up of Miss Morgan – Post Olympic Games!
Besides hard work and determination advice, what’s Sophia Morgan's tip to anyone aspiring towards sporting success?
“Just give everything a go. Be open to opportunities, you will learn so much. I remember trying soccer, hockey, swimming, I did a lot of sport, you can filter which ones you like and don’t, so for me, I liked sailing and focused on it.”
Making the sporting world her oyster with encouragement from her parents/family to be exposed to various sports was definitely the first ripple.
Five years ago, she was lacing up her boots for the Rewa Under 14 football team at Nausori's Ratu Cakobau Park – could anyone have imagined that just three years later, this jovial teen would become an Olympian?
The second ripple towards that Tokyo 2020 wave occurred in her earning representation for Fiji in sailing in 2019 to the Pacific Games and 2020 World Laser Radial Championship.
“I was with my team-mate Nelle (Leenders) and had no expectations when competing for the Oceania spot and had Papua New Guinea to beat to gain Olympic qualification for Tokyo 2020,” says Morgan.
Her realisation having overcome PNG that day immediately sunk in as… “Wow, we’re going to Tokyo! That’s on the other side of the world!”
The ever-smiling teen admits, going to the Games still seemed surreal for the most part of her preparation phases.
“Until I was actually on the plane then my excitement kicked in.”
“I’ve followed the Olympic Games but to actually be in it this time and be there was overwhelming. The Sailing village was always quite chilled and quiet but when you get to the main Athletes village it’s just amazing! Everyone is there!”
“It was amazing that I got to race against my sailing role models who had competed and won in previous Olympics.”
Ask anyone who has represented their country in sport, whether it be individual or team – all will share the ironic sentiment leading up to sporting experiences that, “if it were easy, everyone would do it.”
At the end of the day, sport moulds character and elite teenage athletes like Sophia most certainly have much to ‘juggle'.
“At the moment, this is my last year of high school and I’m working on adjusting to balancing school work and training.”
“Endurance is key – bike riding, cardio, runs with Dad, interval training on the rugby field. I do gym for every aspect of my body – the boat I sail uses every muscle and my abs and legs need to be strong.”
“During school, AM is gym/cardio workouts, two and a half hours on the water five days a week and on the weekends its race day.”
“You learn the most from racing with people as it’s better to see what they do along the courses. Every race is always different – it can be windy or light and you need to learn how to be flexible with conditions.”
“In Tokyo it was 17 knots – windy and died straight after the race – I was like, ooooh... you have to be adaptable. This can make sailing sometimes feel mentally draining.”
Alas, emotions play a major role which, when mentally prepared, can bring out the best versions of oneself.
“When I went into my first race, I started away from everyone to build confidence, get settled but, that didn’t happen, I was coming last and I just got caught up.”
“Day 4 I was shattered because I was so tired – putting in the hours before is hard – I won’t lie, I cried in my first race – conditions change so much, you could be last and that can change all of a sudden so never give up.”
Sophia attributes her family to much of her success.
“My Dad, is my role model. He got me into sailing at the Royal Suva Yacht Club (RSYC) and he came with me to the Olympics.”
“I look up to his being open to opportunities, by his work ethic and hard work gets you places.”
“It’s good to have a support system, my sisters and mum are AMAZING! They’d drive me to my races despite fighting about there always having to be regattas but they did it for me.”
Reminiscing her fond moments in Tokyo.
“Highlight was beating Te (Fiji judoka) in Xbox rugby – he was really terrible at it. The Olympic Games Opening Ceremony was very special. My sport is not a team sport so being able to be in and experience the Team Fiji camaraderie was amazing. I am based in New Zealand so to be with everyone was just great.”
“It was amazing to even be in the bus enroute to the event, having the support from FASANOC, they’d visit me at the races and that was a definite highlight.”
There’s no doubt this 17-year-old has grown beyond her years in maturity following the games and, she's excited about her future.
“I am still growing and trying to get as strong as I can which will be my long term goal.”
All the best Sophia! Chase down that games and all events leading up to it!
We look forward to seeing your life journey stories continue.
(PC: Tokyo 2020 website)
Fiji Association of Sport & National Olympic Committee Fiji Yachting Association Oceania Sports Fiji National Sports Commission The Fiji Times Fiji Sun FBC News FBC Sports Mai TV fijivillage Gold FM
