Rillio Rio Rii

Rio to Tokyo: Vanuatu rower's inspiring Olympic journey

In March last year, the 27-year-old was at the end of completing a three month training stint in Queensland preparing for a qualifying regatta in Korea, but it wasn't long before state lockdowns were announced and borders were shut.

"I had about two weeks left before the regatta [in Korea] and I text my coach that I needed to go back [home to Vanuatu]," he said. 

"I was lucky, very lucky because I left Brisbane and the very next day the Australian borders closed, so I managed to get out just in time, but that was quite an experience."

Rower Rillio Rio Rii to carry Vanuatu’s flag at Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony

The Vanuatu Association of Sports And National Olympic Committee President Antoine Boudier presented the Vanuatu flag to Rio during a press conference today.

“Indeed, in view of his sporting performances, Rio was chosen to carry the colors of Vanuatu during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. He will be the first rower to do this,” VASANOC said in a press release.

The Olympic delegation was also introduced to the public.

Vanuatu rower Rio Rii begins training stint in Queensland

The 25-year-old will have the chance to compete domestically with the state's rowing squad this week as he prepares for April's qualifying regatta in Korea.

Vanuatu Rowing's director, Andrew MacKenzie, said the opportunity to train overseas would prepare Rii both physically and mentally.

"You need to understand that you're competing against people from around the world and there's sort of key underlying principals and one of them is that you need to work really hard and train hard and competition is tough."