Physio Kautani Understands The Demands Of An Athlete

The challenge of ensuring that athletes are at 100 per cent physical every day is something that pushes Fijian Sevens Physiotherapist Kautani Erasito daily.

The Rotuma-born lad is currently the head physiotherapist for the Fijiana Women's Sevens team.

"Helping out in a high-intensity sport is challenging, but one I enjoy because it keeps me on my toes," he said.

"Being a former athlete myself, I understand what these young athletes go through when they are training."

The youngest of three siblings, Kautani said professional athletes like the Fijiana rugby players tend to push themselves to the limits and beyond.

"Ensuring that they can handle what the coaching staff require of them, I try my best to make sure that their bodies are able to withstand the intense training," he said.

"I have to be watchful too, as some athletes try to hide injuries, and it is my job to ensure that every athlete is 100 percent so that the team can function well under the guidance of the head coach."

Kautani said he has worked with athletes from other sports, including swimming and basketball,which has helped him understand how to spot injuries and deal with them.

"If athletes have injuries, we try our best to deal with them as soon as possible.

"We are lucky to have a coaching panel that adheres to advice, but also everyone works together as a team to ensure that athletes are at 100 per cent before entering the field to play or train," he said.

Kautani is a former Fiji athletics representative, having represented Fiji at the Oceania Athletics Championship in 2015 and 2017.

"I love discus and had the opportunity to represent Fiji in the event after representing my alma mater, Marist Brothers High School.

"I also sustained injuries whilst training, and instead of just putting on a strap, I thought I would learn more about the body and how it works," he said.

Kautani said learning about the mechanics of the body allowed him to help other athletes overcome or manage injury, so they are always performing at their best.

Kautani is excited about the opportunity to be a part of an Olympic Team.

"The Olympics is the dream; it's one thing being part of an Olympic Team. It's another to be part of a medal-winning Olympic team, and that is the dream for the whole team," he said.

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