Retired Samoan sumo wrestler Konishiki was honoured at the Hawaii State Capitol on March 18 for his contributions to the ancient Japanese sport of sumo and for his community service in his hometown of Nanakuli, writes LOUISA TE'I.
Born in Hawai’i as Saleva’a Fuauli Atisanoe, he retired from the sport in 1997 after reaching the rank of ozeki, the second highest rank in the sport. He was the first foreign-born wrestler to achieve this status and many predicted that he would be the first foreigner to reach the highest level of yokozuna or grand champion. Injuries prevented him from going all the way to the top of the sumo world but he undoubtedly opened the way for Akebono (Hawaiian Chad Rowan) and Musashimaru (Samoan Fiamalu Penitani) who went on to become the first two foreign Yokozuna. At his fighting weight of 264 kilograms, Konishiki remains the heaviest wrestler in sumo history.
Always known for his size, he was honoured by the Hawaii State legislature for his even bigger heart and for his efforts in his local community. Nanakuli is on O’ahu’s Leeward Coast, a rural area that is predominantly Polynesian and though tight-knit, suffers the negative stigma of high crime and low employment rates. After retiring from a sport that gave him fortune and fame, Atisanoe started the Konishiki Kids Foundation, giving children from his local area an opportunity to travel to Japan and be exposed to a different culture. So far, he has taken over 450 children, mostly Polynesians, to Japan on an adventure of a lifetime.
“"Take this very deeply in your hearts,” he implored. “Just save the kids man. It's not their fault that they live in a poverty area, but education is the only way out," he said.”
While he was being honoured by Hawaii’s lawmakers, he presented a check for US$70,000 (NZ$86,000) from the Konishiki Kids Foundation to further help develop programs that will assist youngsters along the Leeward Coast. The money will help children at seven local Primary Schools.
Now forty-five years old and still weighing the same as when he was wrestling more than a decade ago, Konishiki recently underwent gastric bypass surgery to help him trim down. He admits, “I finally had the courage to go take care of myself. I just told myself it’s time to make a change with my health.” Leading up to the surgery, his doctors found that he’s quite healthy for his size with no high blood pressure and a strong heart but diabetes does run in his family.
“We come from a culture where food is good and you have barbecues every weekend. Wherever you go, there’s food. If you go to a party for ten, you actually got food for 100 people.”
Just three weeks after the life-changing surgery, he has already lost 22 kilograms. He’s not only taking care of the local kids in his area, but taking care of himself so he will be around to make sure that his community continues to thrive.
• An exclusive interview with Konishiki will feature in the upcoming May June 2008 edition of SPASIFIK Magazine.
