As predicted, Fiji and New Caledonia dominated in the first day of the Pacific Mini Games athletics competition yesterday.
New Caledonia women’s javelin throwers Ramesh Bina and Astrid Waheo won the first medals of the games and of athletics.
Local athletes Samantha Lockington and Tereapii Tapoki put their backs into their throws but were short on reaching a top three placing.
Tapoki went on to win the bronze medal in her preferred discipline of discus with her rival from Tonga Ana Po’uhila winning gold and Samoan athlete Margaret Satupai taking silver.
On the track, Aitutaki athletes shone with Turuariki George Baxter and Tiraa Arere qualifying for the 100m semi finals today.
Fiji’s Kolinio Qarau is the man to watch out for the men’s octathlon after winning the 100m sprints (11.31), long jump (6.26m) and coming second in the shotput with a throw of 9.81m.
Unfortunately for local octathlon athlete Harmon Harmon, a hamstring injury in his second attempt in the long jump saw him retire from the mini games altogether.
Solomon Islands athletes Chris Vatu and Betty Babalu were the team’s shining stars.
Vatu won the gold medal in the three man 3000m steeplechase while 12-year-old Betty Babalu won her one and only race in the 5000m race to take the gold medal.
More medals will be won today in the second day of the athletics competition. - Matariki Wilson: Cook Islands News
Last Modified on 24/09/2009 16:50