Weight Class: 94kg
Height: 6’0”
Coaches: Albert Mailo, Paul Coffa
Parents: Edwin Aki and Fulisia Jungblut
Hometown: Kokoland-Tafuna, AS
Current residence: Mont Dore, NC
Birthdate: June 10, 1990
Athletic Career: Started weightlifting in 2009 under Albert Mailo, representing American Samoa at 2009 South Pacific Mini-Games, 2010 Oceania Weightlifting Championships, 2011 South Pacific Games, and 2012 Oceania Weightlifting Championships. Awarded Rio 2016 Olympic Scholarship in December 2014. Began training at Oceania Weightlifting Institute in New Caledonia from February 2015 to present day under Paul Coffa, representing American Samoa at 2015 South Pacific Games, 2015 IWF World Championships, 2016 Australia International, and 2016 Oceania Weightlifting Championships.
Goals: My talents are a gift from God. I believe it’s my responsibility to use them to the best of my ability, whether it is further achievements as an athlete, or becoming a coach for future ones.
How did you get involved? My uncle Toetagata Albert Mailo was the founder, president, and head coach of the Weightlifting Association of American Samoa. He introduced me to the sport, taught me everything I know, and never gave up on me.
Who is your biggest supporter? My girlfriend and teammate: Monica Afalava. Without our relationship, I don’t think I would have been motivated to finish this Rio scholarship. She loves and gives unconditionally. No one has invested in me the way that she does. I’ve had many rough days in training and have even considered quitting, but she’s the reason I’ve made it this far. She is my road to Rio.
Favorite Movies: Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Forrest Gump
Favorite TV Show: Game of Thrones
Favorite Song: Wanna Ball by MGK
Favorite Food: Faiai Fe’e with Taro
Hobbies: Gardening, baking, reading, fixing electronics
Favorite Competition Lift: Snatch
Favorite Training Lift: Push Press
Training Regime: Training consists solely of lifting, 2-3 sessions per day, 15 per week with Sunday as a rest day.
Nutrition: I eat 3 meals a day that usually include a lot of vegetables, fruits, and coffee. For protein, I eat anything from chicken and fish to steaks and deer meat.
Greatest Accomplishment: Qualifying for the Olympics is a dream come true for me. There is no greater competition in Weightlifting. Uncle Al coached me with the Olympics as the ultimate goal of that training. And now, I am proud to be making my debut to the Games with his son, Nevo. I have trained alongside my brother since the very beginning of my career, and now we will be stepping on the biggest stage of our lives together.