The depth of the skills of some of the contestants in the javelin event demonstrated a high level of coaching and training within particular countries.
Notwithstanding the individual talent and personal commitment of the athletes themselves, it was particularly noticeable by the comments which were being made by coaches behind the barriers around the track, that the coaching of these athletes is intense.
And the results were in the throws.
Whereas some of the smaller nations were throwing 50-60 metres, the eventual winner, Leslie Copeland of Fiji easily broke a long-standing record (of a Fijian compatriot) by 1.40m with a throw of 74.98m.
Mathieu Roulet of New Caledonia and Sosefo Panuve of Wallis and Futuna could not match Copeland’s strength with their respective medal winning efforts of 63.32m and 63.19m respectively. Cook Islander, Daniel Tutai, threw a very creditable 57.18m.
Last Modified on 26/09/2009 03:57