by By Dan Ninham
Martin Iosefo, 31, is an American rugby union player who played for the United States in the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympic Summer Games. He also played football and rugby at the University of Montana.
According to the announcement of the 6-1 and 229 lb. Martin being a starter on the 2020 Olympic team, it stated he was “known for his strength on both sides of the ball with the ability to score on offense while laying big hits on defense.”
“It’s an honor to represent the USA in the Olympics,” said Martin. “Apart from your country, you are also representing your team, sport, family, and you as a person.”
“I’m full Samoan, born in Oahu, Hawaii but grew up in Samoa,” said Martin. “I am grateful and proud of my Samoan culture. Our culture’s identity is ultimately bounded by fa’aloalo meaning respect and alofa meaning love. A crucial element that started early on in life with family members and then in social relations.”
Martin continued to share his cultural identity with teammates, friends, and everyone else in and outside of the Olympics. He said, “The values and life lessons that I’ve learned growing up has shaped who I am today.”
The world of sport continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Martin said his challenge was in his preparation for the uncertainty of the Olympic Games.
“A lot was going on after the postponement of our games due to Covid-19,” shared Martin. “For 18-months, we weren’t allowed to train, compete and some were furloughed from their job. A lot of what was going on was out of my control and concerns for our program were at stake.”
“While the uncertainty piles on throughout the year, I continued with my remote training as best as I could until we’re allowed to train as a team,” added Martin.
Martin is a role model for young athletes that want to achieve at a high level. He shares advice for young athletes to, “have attention to detail and positive thinking! Focus on the little things and do them right. When you do it right, you feel good about it and you’re building positive momentum to take on the next challenge. You’re building muscle memory and training your brain to adapt to particular situations. As you build on the little things and feeling positive about them. These little tasks become bigger ones that form into a bigger picture!”
The United States entered the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as medal contenders. The team was leading Britain 21-0 and it doesn’t matter what sport it is that a 21-point lead is not safe. The 2016 Olympic silver medalists scored four consecutive tries to win and go on to the semifinals. Team USA lost to South Africa in their next game and ended in sixth place.
Martin was a team member of the United States Rugby bronze medalists at the 2015 Pan Am Games. He also played for the ninth place finisher United States in the 2016 Olympics.
Martin plans to continue competing in the year around the World Rugby 7s Series tournament. A World Cup Rugby 7s in Cape Town, South Africa and the next Olympics are also on sight. Then possibly transition into 15s rugby for the next Rugby World Cup 2023.
“There’s a lot to look forward to and as long as I’m training with other athletes and with the team,” said Martin. “Be in my best shape and a student of the game. I’ll be able to put myself in a good place for these goals.”
“Anthony Roques is someone who I’ve had the privilege being coached by and who has helped me along this journey,” said Martin. “He has been very supportive and understanding of me as a person and as an athlete. A coach who challenges you to be your best and makes you accountable.”
“My wife Danielle Iosefo is another mentor for me,” said Martin. “We all need someone who is caring and is completely honest with us.”
“Regardless of circumstances, being direct has helped bring me to reality and not get caught up dwelling on the past,” said Martin.
Martin Iosefo is being put in a good place as he continues his journey as an elite rugby athlete.
Photo Credit: Mike Lee – KLC fotos for World Rugby
