THE ABSENCE of fellow Melanesian sprinters has facilitated Fiji’s dominance on tracks at the 2009 Pacific Mini Games.
So far the team has at least won a medal in all track events except for men’s steeplechase and long distance (10,000 metres) race.
Fiji has been dominating the track events in past several regional meets but in this PMG, other countries has so far poised less or relatively no threat to its sprinters.
Papua New Guinea (PNG), the other country which has produced some top regional runners, pulled its athletics team prior to PMG for unknown reasons.
According to a source, PNG’s chances of winning gold were high in athletics events but due to some administrative dilemma the team could not travel to this PMG.
This news had certainly pleased the Fijian athletes who knew PNG could have been their only barrier from winning gold.
Something similar happened to the Vanuatu team when their best sprinter was dropped from the squad at the eleventh hour.
“We dropped him from the squad due to disciplinary
reasons back at home,” Vanuatu athletics coach/manager Ansel Nalau said.
He refused to elaborate.
“But we have brought a good set of runners and hope for a good run during the PMG,” Nalau said.
“The 100m race was pretty much dominated by Fijians may be because of the absence of some top sprinters from other countries but the ones participated were quite competitive.”
“This weather has affected all our athletes because they don’t get the chance to warm up properly but we don’t want to make this an excuse.”
Looks like it will be another Fiji year on tracks and they so far are doing well - just making the most of now! - Rashneel Kumar: Cook IslandsNews
Last Modified on 26/09/2009 07:02