KAA gain four medals in Samoa.
In spite of the new format grouping the countries of Oceania into two groups of eleven teams, effectively West and East, KAA still managed to maintain its reputation of achieving a few medals. The two sub-Regional competitions were held simultaneously in Samoa from June 21-23 2011. A very small KAA team of four athletes returned to Tarawa with two gold, one silver, and one bronze medals. They covered seven events on the programme.
Performance details.
The two female athletes were:- Kabotaake Romeri who ran in the Heats of the W200m., finishing 10th. and clocking 28.47 seconds; and Kaingauee David who finished 2nd. in the WTriple Jump with 9.51m. and 3rd. in the WLong Jump with 4.52m.
The two male athletes were:- George Pine who ran in the M100m., finishing 5th. in his Heat (11.51) and then 6th. in the Final (11.61); and then ran in the M200m., finishing 4th. in his Heat (23.70) and then 4th. in the Final (23.74). The other male was Boitu Baiteke who "did the double" by winning the MLong Jump (6.52m.), and then broke the National Record for the MTriple Jump with 13.90m. This latter outstanding performance took him one step (or hop !) closer to the huge TJ milestone of 14m. (See photos of Boitu and hairy George, plus Kaingauee training.)
Thanks to the coach !
At least some of the credit for these performances should go to Brian Fukuyama, teacher, coach, and member of the KAA Executive. Brian has been working a small squad for several years on the basis of year-round training, and these results are part of the consequence. (See photo of Brian with part of squad including Boitu.) Thanks also to Oceania AA for the organisation of the competition, and to Samoa for acting as hosts.
Farewell Bill Bailey.
Former Executive Director of Oceania AA, Bill Bailey, was the subject of a "Thank You" presentation by those present in Samoa. He has worked for many years with and in the IAAF, on behalf of Oceania, being a worthy ambassador for the athletes of the islands. (See attachment.)
Last Modified on 19/07/2011 09:35