Eroni Leilua, from Vaivasa-Uta in Upolu, will become the first sailor to represent Samoa at the Summer Games after qualifying at the world championships in Melbourne earlier this month, but he hopes he is not the last.
He said it was disappointing to think the potential of Pacific sailors was being restricted by financial obstacles.
"Money is difficult as it is but to get into a sport like sailing, it's pretty tough," he said.
"It's definitely been the biggest obstacle [for me] and especially being from a Pacific Island background."