Eileen Cikamatana left Fiji at the tender age of 16 in search of sporting glory.
Now, on the eve of her Commonwealth Games debut on the Gold Coast, she is hoping to win Fiji's first gold medal since 2002, in front of her family.
Cikamatana, 18, is hot favourite to win gold in the women's 90kg classification on the Gold Coast, having rocketed into contention after a stunning 2017 which sees her hold the Commonwealth records for the snatch (111kg), clean and jerk (143kg) and total (253kg) at the 90kg level.
It comes on the back of major sacrifice, having left home in Ovalau at 16 to train in New Caledonia.
"It's a big sacrifice, but I'm enjoying it," Eileen told 1 NEWS.
"Back at home, there's too many distractions, when you go to school, not so focused on the training.
"But when I came to New Caledonia, when it's time for training it's time for training, when it's time to study it's time to study."
Leaving home means less time with family, but she's delighted her parents Makitalena, father Sevanaia, sister Roselyn and aunt Luisa Cikamatana-Rauto will be traveling to the Gold Coast to cheer her on.
"It means the world to me, they have haven't watched me in any international competition," she said.
"They're looking forward to it more than I am."
Last year, 2017 was a standout year in Cikamatana's fledgling career, and hopes are high she can bring home a rare Fijian gold.
"I'm ready to do whatever the coach gives me, what he gives I'm ready to overtake it, it's do or die."
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