August 1st-10th 1975
Despite doubts over Guam's isolation and last minute political hiccups the fifth SPG in 1975 took place in the US trust territory on time and with all facilities in place. In late 1973 a political impasse was resolved and the go ahead was given for the games by the Governor of Guam. A four year break was established between games in order to mesh a schedule with Commonwealth Games and Olympics commitments. Officials and competitors used to the newly constructed international standard facilities in the past three games were disappointed with some of the venues. Fingers were also pointed at the timing of the games in the middle of the rainy season in Guam.
Continuous rain failed to dampen spirits and performances from the competitors. Sixteen records were still broken in the 45 events competed for in the athletics program. Athletes shrugged off logistical difficulties to showcase their talents and came out winners and grinners in the end. John Kokinai of PNG took over the mantle of the premier long distance runner. Danielle Guyont from French Polynesia and Maria Kadava-Chambault from Fiji staged an engrossing duel in women's athletics in the sprints and jumps and finished with four and three gold medals respectively. New Caledonia again dominated women's swimming even in the absence of Marie-Jose Kersaudy.
New Caledonia again dominated the final medals tally with 37 gold to French Polynesia on 27, PNG 22 and Fiji on 13. Western Samoa made inroads into the final standing into fifth place and essentially created a precedent for the expected pattern of results for the Games to come.
Guam as host nation would have expected to do better in these Games but this was not to be, with results reflecting the uncertainty in the Terretory leading up to these Games.
Rain continued to the final ceremonies but failed to stop the enthusiasm and high spirits of the competitors in bringing the Games to a close.
1975: Guam
Country
|
Gold
|
Silver
|
Bronze
|
Total
|
New Caledonia
|
37
|
31
|
34
|
102
|
French Polynesia
|
27
|
28
|
39
|
94
|
PNG
|
22
|
25
|
18
|
65
|
Fiji
|
13
|
13
|
11
|
37
|
Western Samoa
|
9
|
4
|
5
|
18
|
Guam
|
3
|
5
|
5
|
13
|
American Samoa
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
12
|
Wallis & Futuna
|
1
|
2
|
8
|
11
|
New Hebrides
|
1
|
3
|
4
|
8
|
Cook Islands
|
|
1
|
4
|
5
|
Gilbert & Ellice
|
|
|
|
|
Nauru
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
116
|
116
|
133
|
365
|
Last Modified on 02/02/2007 10:49