The last time Suamili Nanai was in Samoa, it was just after the 2009 tsunami struck. He had come to check on his parents. This time, he is back as a weightlifter and in Australian colours.

Nanai, 31, hails from Falelatai. He was born in New Zealand but raised in Australia. He walks around the competition and training venue in green and gold, but his Samoan-ness shows through his pe’a, something that catches the eye even before the uniform.

“It is an honour to be back here after 17 years. I am definitely looking forward to the competition, and I am hoping for a pleasant outing,” Nanai said.

“I have been away from Samoa for a long time. My cousin is studying at Malua, so that is the closest connection I have had. But it feels good to be here.”

Nanai will be competing in the 110-kilogram-plus or the superheavyweight category. He will be up against Sanele Mao.

“Sanele is definitely a titan of the sport. I hope to be able to give him a good competition and set the pace for an enjoyable event. There is much respect for the Samoan team and lifters,” he said.

Nanai is based in Perth, Western Australia and is part of the Ox Weightlifting Club. Injuries had kept him out of competition, but he is back in form for the IWF Universal Championship.