WHERE WE STAND - OR FALL !
An analysis of the results from the 7th. Micronesian Games in Palau shows that even in Micronesia (the weakest of the Oceania sub-regions), we are lagging behind in many events. This is due to several reasons, e.g. body-type, but should (a) give us cause for concern about our future development and emphasis; and (b) help us in the short-term to do careful selection of teams for overseas competitions.
MENS' EVENTS.
Of the 11 Track events in Palau, the winners beat our National Records in FIVE (100m., 400m,., 800m., 1500m., and 5000m. We had a CHANCE of a medal in FIVE (100m., 200m., 110H., 4 x 100, and 4 x 400).
Of the 6 Field events, we could have done clean sweeps of the medals in all the Jumps. In the Throws, probably Gold/Silver in Shot and G/Bronze in Discus. The winner in MJavelin beat our NR but we might have pushed for a Bronze.
In the MOctathlon, there were only 4 competitors and we might have won Silver with D. Birati.
WOMENS' EVENTS.
Of all 11 Track events, the winners in Palau beat our NR in ALL EXCEPT TWO, the 100m. Hurdles and 5000m. In the 5000, depending on current fitness, we might have won a medal, but all three medallists were sub-22 minutes. In the Hurdles, we might also have won a medal.
Of the 6 Field events, again we could have cleared the medals in the LJ, plus won Silver and Bronze in the TJ., and Bronze in the HJ. However, the winners beat our NR in Shot and Javelin, and we might have secured Bronze in Discus.
In Pentathlon, the winner beat our NR, but there were only TWO competitors so maybe an all-rounder like Kaingaue might have won Silver.
IMPLICATIONS FOR SELECTION.
What does all this mean for selection for Cairns (Open and u-20 OAA) ? I suggest it confirms that we should not consider Mens' Track, except where sprints combine with horizontal jumps. We should not consider Relays.
On the Field, at least one athlete (or even two) to do all three jumps, maybe in different age-groups ? We have at least one thrower (Itinikaeti) who could compete, since Raobu is going to Delhi. The Mens' multi-events in Cairns is (at the moment) a Decathlon, but we do not yet do Pole Vault. If it was Octathlon, we could find a male all-rounder.
We have virtually no women for the Track events, even Kaingaue, but she could attempt the Heptathlon if she is eligible by age. We have two or three girls/ladies who could do the jumps. I would not consider the throws on current evidence.
We have a Selection Meeting on Saturday, August 14.
Last Modified on 09/08/2010 16:35