Fiji's flagbearer: 'Sega ni soro' - star weightlifter's tattoos a beacon of hope after Cyclone Winston's devastation

After a couple of tough years, Fijian flagbearer Apolonia Vaivai is primed for Commonwealth glory.

The tattoos on Apolonia Vaivai's arms are a constant reminder of the struggle and sacrifice she has made to excel in weightlifting.

Fiji's only medal winner in Glasgow with bronze in the women's 75kg, she was primed for the Rio 2016 Olympics when February 2016's Cyclone Winston threw her preparations into turmoil, and destroyed Fiji's high performance centre.

The next big thing in Fijian weightlifting, Eileen Cikamatana, was snapping at her heels, and while Vaivai did qualify for Rio, she could only manage 11th in the women's 69kg classification.

The tattoos on the 27-year-old's arms read 'sega ni soro' and 'rawatu' in Fijian, meaning 'never give up' and 'I can do it', and are there to provide inspiration when she feels herself losing hope.

She is back on her game, however, taking out the Commonwealth Championships on the Gold Coast last year, and is ranked number one heading into the games. 

A repeat of her medal-winning performance from four years ago is a distinct possibility.

"I'm here to win, but it's all going to happen on the day," Apolonia told 1 NEWS today.

In recognition of her standing in the sport and her homeland, she has been named to carry the Fijian flag at tomorrow night's opening ceremony.

"It's an honour to carry the flag of Fiji, from all the sports picked, I'm excited and honoured," she said.

"It's means a lot to them (my family)... they are all happy and excited about me being flag bearer."

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