Trailblazing boxer Jasmine Daunakamakama hopes her historic Commonwealth Games medal can open doors for more Fijian women to join the sport.
The first female boxer to represent Fiji internationally, amateur fighter Daunakamakama added to her chapter in history after snaring bronze in Glasgow on Saturday morning (AEST).
Tuvaluan boxer Tarona Taafaki followed Daunakamakama later on Saturday, claiming bronze for the Pasifika nation's first Games medal.
Daunakamakama may have lost her bout against Northern Ireland's defending featherweight champion Michaela Walsh, but reaching the semi-final was enough to secure a podium finish.
"It's a bittersweet moment," an emotional Daunakamakama told AAP about her loss by unanimous decision.
"I'm very proud of myself for entering this competition with only, over 20 bouts.
"On paper, I may be quite inexperienced, but I am proud that my mana carried me through this far into this competition."
Daunakamakama's breakthrough bronze extends Fiji's rich history of winning Commonwealth Games medals in the sport.
Fine Sani (light heavyweight) won gold in 1982, securing Fiji's only medal at the Brisbane Games.
Winston Hill, who later turned professional, won bronze in the welterweight division at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. It was one of Fiji's four medals on the Gold Coast.
Daunakamakama was in tears after her historic final bout in Glasgow, and was hugged by coach Cameron Todd in a tender moment away from the crowd.
Despite competing in the sport for only three years, Daunakamakama had defeated Adelaide Djabatey of Ghana and Sri Lanka's Keshani Hansika to claim a medal for Fiji.
The 21-year-old said she was overwhelmed by the support not just from her country, but from her fellow Pasifika athletes.
"Before walking into this comp, I was aware that I carried a lot of responsibility as one of the most experienced female boxers in Fiji," Daunakamakama said.
"It's a great reminder of how much pride and how much unity we carry as the Pacific Islands.
"No matter how far we are from home, we still unite as one and just over-exceed ourselves in this sport.
"I hope that when I get home, this will be inspiring for the next generation."
Daunakamakama will aim for gold at the 2030 Games in Ahmedabad, India to cement her spot in Fiji's sporting history.
She is well supported by her family, with father Panapasa president of the Fiji Amateur Boxing Association.
Daunakamakama's mother Beulah is the president of the Oceania Boxing Confederation.
"Yes, I do see myself taking a gold," Daunakamakama said.
"It's not the main goal, but I know it is part of the journey."
Tuvaluan boxer Taafaki also lost her semi-final bout to India's Lovlina Borgohain, but beamed with pride after competing in her first international match.
Saturday's bout was the third of the 20-year-old's amateur career.
"Coming from such a small country, probably 95 per cent of the audience doesn't even know where it is or what continent it's in," Taafaki said.
"So I'm very privileged, and I'm proud to represent my people."
This AAP article was made possible by support from Commonwealth Games Australia.
