Boxer Magan Maka was beaming with pride and feeling honoured to be Tonga's flagbearer at last night's Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony.
Having represented New Zealand in Glasgow, the 24-year-old fighter will now be representing her dad, and coach Fili's homeland of Tonga in the women's 69kg class.
Holding the Tongan flag at the opening ceremony has made this Commonwealth Games even more special for Maka.
Before leading the 13-strong Tongan team into Carrara Stadium on the Gold Cast last night, the beaming flagbearer spoke to 1 NEWS' Kimberlee Downs.
"I feel blessed to be walking in with my team and to be leading them.
"It's an honour to be flagbearer for Tonga."
Magan Maka will headline Tonga's boxing team on the Gold Coast, alongside her dad and assistant coach Fili and his nephew Tui Vea.
Maka is a multiple NZ champ, and has twice picked up the most scientific boxer gong at the New Zealand Golden Gloves.
As for Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, she's concentrating on winning gold for Tonga.
"Everyone's aiming for gold, but I guess it just comes down to who works the hardest and who wants it the most."
And she's got a message for young Tongan athletes wanting to follow in her footsteps: "Just do your best, keep looking forward. Even if it’s not boxing, if it's any other sport enjoy, it will take you places like here."
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