Tonga will send four athletes to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The Tonga Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (TASANOC) announced the team and officials today. The athletes will compete in three different sports, athletics, boxing, and swimming.
"We are thrilled to announce that these athletes have secured universality spots for the Olympic Games, providing them the opportunity to compete on the world’s biggest stage," TASANOC stated.
The athletes are:
- Maleselo Fukofuka, 100m Sprint;
- Fe’ofa’aki ‘Epenisa, Women's Boxing 60kg;
- Alan Koti Lopeti Uhi, Men’s 100m Backstroke; and
- Noelani Malia Day, Swimming Women’s 50m Freestyle.
Team Tonga will be lead by Chef de Mission, Mrs. Viola Ulakai supported by Paris-based Virginie Dourlet as Team Attache. Team physio Tim Allardyce will join the team from the UK. TASANOC President Mr. Michael Bloomfield and Secretary General Netina Vea will be in Paris by invitation from the International Olympic Committee.
Viola Ulakai will depart to Paris on Thursday night followed by the rest of the contingent.
The opening of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will be on Friday, 26 July, on the river Seine.
Meanwhile, Fe’ofa’aki ‘Epenisa, Tonga’s first female boxer together with swimming debutant Alan Uhi have been chosen to carry Tonga's flag during the opening ceremony.
Athletics
Athlete - Mr. Maleselo Fukofuka, 100m Sprint
Coach - Mr. Siueni Filimone
Event Schedule: 3 August, 10:35 am (Paris time) - Heats
Boxing
Athlete, women’s 60kg Category - Ms. Fe’ofa’aki ‘Epenisa
Coach - Mr. Danilo Garcia
Event Schedule: 27 July, 04:18 pm (Paris time) - Prelims Event
Swimming
Athlete, men’s 100m Backstroke - Mr. Alan Koti Lopeti Uhi
Athlete, women’s 50m Freestyle - Ms. Noelani Malia Day
Swimming Manager - Ms. Calina Panuve
Coach - Mr. Christos Stathis
Event Schedule:
28 July – Men’s 100m Backstroke Heat
3 Aug – Women’s 50m Freestyle Heat
