Day 1 Recap – Pacific Mini Games Athletics, Palau
Koror, Palau | July 4, 2025
Heavy morning rain didn’t dampen the spirit at the National Stadium, as athletes from across Oceania delivered big performances on Day 1 of athletics at the Pacific Mini Games. From sprint drama to national records, the action set a high standard for the week ahead
Track Highlights
Men’s and Women’s 10,000m
Guam’s national record holder Hugh Kent powered through the wet conditions to win the men’s race leading from gun to tape. In the women’s event, Tania Tan of Northern Marianas made a decisive move in the later stages to win the race ahead of New Caledonia’s Natalia Prado Alfonso
Men’s 400m Hurdles
Papua New Guinea showed their depth in the hurdles, all 3 athletes through to the final within a second of each other
Men’s and Women’s 100m Heats
PNG’s Tovetuna Tuna, Pais Wisil, and Fiji’s Waisake Tewa all progressed with the fastest times. Nauru’s Winzar Kakiouea broke the national record in his heat.
In the women’s heats, PNG’s Isila Apkup, Australia’s Kayedel Smith, and Fiji’s Sera Nailvata led the way to the semis.
Ambulant 100m Finals
Drama unfolded in the men’s race as favourite Steven Abraham (PNG) was disqualified for a false start. Tom Lulait (T13, New Caledonia) crossed first and won on percentage.
In the women’s event, Dorna Longbut (T46, PNG) returned to competition ahead of teammate Manega Tapari T46
4x100m and 4x400m Heats
The men’s 4x100m saw Papua New Guinea clock a sharp 40.94, edging ahead of rivals Fiji. Kiribati’s team made history by breaking their national record.
In the 4x400m heats, Papua New Guinea won the men’s race ahead of Fiji and Solomon Islands, while Fiji took out the women’s ahead of PNG, and French Polynesia.
Field Events
Women’s Hammer Throw
Iorana Tafili of Samoa claimed gold in a new national record. Australians Natasha Lynch and Emily Thomas rounded out the podium.
Long Jump
Australia’s Aden McDonald took the men’s title ahead of Fiji’s David Rabibirki and Cook Islands’ Piri Nga. In the women’s event, Olivia Reed (Marshall Islands) won convincingly.
Javelin
Australia’s Charlize Goody and Isabelle Cruikshank secured gold and silver in the women’s javelin. Loata Lewageena (Fiji) claimed bronze.
Combined Events
Waisale Inoke and Reki Roberts, both from Fiji, took early leads in the Octathlon and Heptathlon, showing strong all-around form.
Day 1 is in the books, and if the rain couldn’t stop the action, nothing will. The Pacific spirit is alive in Palau, and the competition is just getting started.
Follow LIVE Results: https://athletics-oceania.com/pacific-mini-games-2025-palau/
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