Teremoana Teremoana OLY

Teremoana Jnr Teremoana started boxing at a young age. After a string of losses and a struggle to balance teenage life, he soon fell out of love with the sport and gave it away. Fast forward to 2024 and the super heavyweight fighter has put the amateur boxing world on notice with a string of wins ahead of his Olympic debut.

About Teremoana Jnr Teremoana

• When Teremoana Jnr Teremoana quit boxing at 19 years old he thought it was for good.

  “I didn’t like boxing. I had to miss out on a lot of social events like birthdays and all my friends were partying in my teens.”

  Two years later the 6-foot warrior was inspired to put the boxing gloves back on, and reclaim his name, following the passing of his grandfather who shared the same first name.

  “Since then I decided to go by my first name. People used to call me Samson. But I wanted to do something to put my grandfather’s name into history so that no one will forget it. So when I win gold, I’ve completed my goal.”

  It was an overnight decision that now has Teremoana competing at his first Olympic Games and firming as a favourite for a podium finish.

  “I think the biggest difference from when I was younger to now is I chose to be here. And I want to do it,” says the boxer.

  “In my mind the Olympic gold medal already has someone’s name on it. Whether it’s mine. Whether it’s someone from another country. All I can do is my best. And that’s what I’m going to do.”

  That mindset has led the 26-year-old to team up with boxing coach Shara Romer, who’s helped fast-track his progress in two years.

  “Not everyone knows how to work with me,” confesses the super heavyweight.

  “Since that time, I’ve seen so much progress in myself. It filters from Shara. Because she tells me to use the QAS. If it was up to me, I wouldn’t. I don’t like it when people do stuff for me. I don’t want to take advantage. But that’s what it’s there for,” says Teremoana.

  A key part of that QAS support has been strength and conditioning coach Patrick Castelli.

• “Coach Pat, he’s gotten me so strong,” says Teremoana.

  “If I'm struggling with a set, I’ll check with Pat ‘are you sure we should do the next set?’ The answer’s usually yes!”

  Castelli says collaborating with Shara to train Teremoana to an Olympic standard has been seamless and rewarding.

  “I think our communication style matches pretty well. I really like working with Shara because she’s really, really blunt. But most of the times it’s pretty funny. We have a good time!”

  Teremoana admits he had to step outside his comfort zone to use the QAS sports psychologist, but says the risk paid off and has helped him with his training.

  “I don’t really want to talk to someone like that. But because Shara says to do it, I’ve opened that door and I’ve done it. And since I’ve done it, it’s actually helped.”

  Coach Shara says Teremoana’s progress would not have been possible without the help of the QAS.

  “The support team for Teremoana speaks volumes. We’ve never had this much support leading up to an Olympics before. I’ve told Teremoana to take full advantage of it.”

  When Teremoana steps into the Olympic boxing ring in Paris he says he won’t be thinking of himself, but instead everyone in Australia.

  “I don’t fight for myself. I’m there on behalf of all 26 million people here in Australia. I’m representing too many people to let them down,” says the Olympic debutante.

  “I do believe deep down that I’m going to win it. Because I’ve put in all this hard work. And I’ve got the attributes to do so. But if I don’t, if I do, it’s God’s plan and that’s how I look at everything in my life.”