Fijians show incredible grace in accepting gold medals
They may be big and burly but the Fijian rugby team have shown their gracious side, humbly bowing down before Princess Anne to accept their gold medals after an incredible win in the men’s rugby sevens final.
The team won Fiji’s first-ever Olympic medals on Day 6 of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, smashing Great Britain in a triumphant 43-7 defeat.
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THE CELEBRATION: Incredible scenes as Fiji celebrates historic gold medal
Princess Anne delivers medals to the Fijian rugby players. Photo: Getty
The players got on their knees to show respect for the Princess. Photo: Getty
The players stepped up to the winner’s podium in front of a cheering crowd as Fiji’s national anthem ‘Meda Dau Doka’ played over the loudspeakers for the first time in history.
Princess Anne approached the podium with the team's medals and, one by one, all twelve players sank to their knees and bowed their head to accept the prize and show respect to the Princess.
The gesture was quickly praised over social media, showing the Fijians had not only won gold, but the hearts of many:
I'm absolutely in love with #Fiji! Their heart & passion on the field & humility & grace off it! Just beautiful! #Rio2016 #Olympics #Champs
— Sammy Mncwabe (@SammyMncwabe) August 11, 2016
the fact that the players got on their knees to receive their medals and gifts, says something; humble begins and humble victories 🇫🇯 #fiji
— kays (@dancer98_kayla) August 11, 2016
Fiji showing their respect when receiving their first ever Olympic medal! So humble our boys... 👏👏👏 #FIJ pic.twitter.com/BO09R7x6VL
— Abdul Mufeez Shaheed (@abdulmshaheed) August 12, 2016
Lovely, humble men... Knelt to Princess Anne 😊 #Fiji #Rugby #gold https://t.co/az11vRIAxd
— ⭐ BarkyMalarky ⭐ (@BarkingMadGC) August 12, 2016