How Fa’asamoa Helped Olympic Champion Theresa Fitzpatrick Succeed

Theresa Fitzpatrick's journey to becoming an Olympic gold medalist and a key player for the Black Ferns is one of perseverance, dedication, and cultural pride.

Winning gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics was a pinnacle moment in her career. Despite facing challenges such as injuries, selection pressures, and illness, Theresa navigated each hurdle with determination, showcasing her unwavering commitment to her sport.

“Representing my country and my family is something I never take for granted,” she shares, reflecting on the honor of competing at the highest level. The presence of her husband, parents, and closest friends made the victory even more meaningful.

“Looking into the crowd and seeing my circle there supporting me was truly special. A sense of pride came with the win. Proud of my team. Proud of the journey. Proud of myself.”

Theresa’s achievements as a Black Fern and Olympian are deeply tied to the core values she holds dear—values rooted in her Samoan culture. Her upbringing instilled in her the importance of connection, teamwork, and service to others.

“I love being part of a team and see the importance of connection in relation to creating a thriving environment,” she explains how her understanding of collective effort has been a vital part of her success on the field.

Theresa attributes much of her personal and professional growth to the values of alofa, fa’aloalo, and tautua.

“Alofa; Always leading with love wherever I go,” she says.

“Fa’aloalo; Respect with kindness, honour and courtesy. Treating others as you would want to be treated. Tautua; Ole ala ile pule ole tautua—The path to leadership is through service. By serving others, we can create a meaningful path to success.”

Though the foundation of her success is rooted in her heritage, much of her personal growth also stems from her early experiences at Aoga Fa’asamoa.

“I knew from a young age through my home life and through Aoga Fa’asamoa that I came from the mighty and beautiful Samoa,” she says. These cultural teachings have shaped her approach to life and sport, reinforcing her identity and sense of purpose.

Reflecting on the role early childhood education plays in long-term success, Fitzpatrick believes that being empowered through her culture from a young age allowed her to grow in confidence, both as a Samoan and as an athlete. This sense of identity has been invaluable in navigating the highs and lows of her sports career.

Theresa remains connected to her Samoan roots through her family and involvement in PACIFICA INC, explaining, “I am proud in my identity as a Samoan woman and hope to inspire others to pursue their aspirations.”