VICTORIOUS - but not TRIUMPHANT !
At the end of an excellent two sessions of competition between the hosts Kiribati and the visitors Nauru, the results showed the strength of the Nauruan women (84.5 to 73.5) while the Kiribati men proved their quality (93 to 64). Thus the combined result was a win for Kiribati by 166.5 to 148.5.
However, triumphalism was never in the air. KAA President Tierata Taukaban, in his speech of thanks at the end of Day 2, made a point of insisting that all the athletes could be considered winners, as could the sport of Athletics. Naturally the Kiribati team was pleased to win, but the standard e.g. of sprinting shown by Nauru athletes was the best ever seen in Kiribati.
KAITINANO - an INSPIRATION !
Our first Olympian, Kaitinano Mwemweata, is almost back to her fastest in the 100m. and electrified the crowd when she broke the NRs for 200m. and 400m. Later she helped the girls to NRs in both main Relays. Most of these achievements were done in placing SECOND to the Nauru girls ! It shows the benefit of competing against class opposition !
KIMAIA, BANRENGA, TIIM, RABANGAKI, BURAIETA - all helped.
This help was not given just in winning events or breaking records but in helping the new generation of I-Kiribati international athletes to settle, prepare, concentrate, then make a massive contribution to the overall result. And so David (HJ), Mikaere (800), Kaboka (MD), Matarena and Mira, Rebeta and Mareta, Andrew and Tanini (800), Taake and Moutu - all are new to the big competition scene, but all played their valuable parts.
PHOTOS show.
The photos herewith show the presentation of medals to the M4 x 400 teams, and Tanroo relaxing at the Closing Disco !
Last Modified on 17/06/2007 20:05