Usaia Sotutu

Usaia Naiteitei Sotutu (born September 20, 1947 in Tavea, Bua, Fiji) is a former runner who represented Fiji at the 1972 Summer Olympics.

Personal life

Usaia was born to Tevita Naiteitei and Akisi Buasega in 1947 in Fiji. He represented Fiji in several international track and field competitions, including the South Pacific Games and the Summer Olympics. Shortly after participating in the Olympics, he attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, on a full scholarship for track and cross-country. While attending BYU, he converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1973, he took a break from his college and track career to serve a two-year mission for the Church back in Fiji. He later married Catherine Marie Olson in 1975, who was also studying at BYU. After finishing his schooling in Provo, he, Cathie, and their first son, David, moved back to Fiji. They lived there for three years. During that time he taught physical education, and they had two more children, Juliette and Charles. Then they moved to Kent, Washington in 1980. There he went to work for Boeing, and they had two more daughters, Jennifer and Diana. He and Cathie were divorced in 2004, but he still lives in the Seattle, Washington area and still works for Boeing.

Running/Athletics Career

Usaia was a noted runner in Fiji and was selected to represent Fiji in the South Pacific Games (now Pacific Games) numerous times. In 1972, he was chosen to represent Fiji in the Summer Olympics. He did not win any medals.

After Retirement

It is not known when he retired, but he was ushered into the Fiji Sports Hall of Fame in 1993.

Internal References

* Fiji at the 1972 Summer Olympics

* Fiji_Association_of_Sports_and_National_Olympic_Committee#Fiji_Sports_Hall_of_Fame