Vanuatu’s first Commonwealth gold medalist rower, Rillio Rio Rii has returned home with his spoils.
The Vanuatu Rowing Association (VRA) and members of the public welcomed Rii, Wednesday night at the Bauerfield International Airport in Port Vila.
Rii returned home following a six-week European rowing tour where he made history for Vanuatu.
Last month he competed in the Commonwealth Beach Sprints Championships where he won gold in the men’s singles race.
This is the first Commonwealth Gold Medal to be secured by an athlete for Vanuatu in any sport discipline.
“Not only the first gold but he is a world champion and world record holder”
Over the past week Rii capped off his European rowing tour by competing in the men’s single sculls at the World Rowing Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
The VRA says it is very proud of the way Rii represented Vanuatu and making a personal best time in his final on Saturday.
Pic Caption; Rillio Rio Rii with gold medal in Port Vila