Day 2 Recap – Pacific Mini Games Athletics, Palau 2025
Koror Palau | July 5th

It was a night of speed, strength, and standout moments on Day 2 of athletics at the Pacific Mini Games. With sprint finals, combined event victories, and Para performances on show, the crowd in Palau witnessed an unforgettable second day on the track and in the field.

Combined Events

Fiji celebrated gold in both multi-events. Waisele Inoke claimed victory in the men’s octathlon with 5241 points, ahead of Karo Iga (PNG) with 5019. Nauru’s Jonah Harris, making his combined events debut, earned a well-deserved bronze.
In the women’s heptathlon, Reki Roberts (FIJ) led from start to finish, securing the win in dominant fashion. Raylyne Kanam (PNG) placed second with 2816 points, while Manatu Hafoka won the Tongan battle to claim bronze.

Ambulant Shot Put (Men’s)

Paralympian Soane Meissonnier (WAF) was in a class of his own, throwing 16.51m and scoring 95.48%. Laeta (SOL) and Dennis (PNG) followed with marks of 58.1% and 56.07% respectively.

400m Heats

PNG’s Adolf Kauba and Daniel Baul qualified fastest in the men’s 400m, setting up a thrilling final. On the women’s side, Fiji’s Heleina Young made a powerful return to athletics after rugby, comfortably securing the top qualifying spot.

100m Finals

The sprint finals stole the show.
In the women’s 100m, Australia’s Kayedel Smith edged out PNG’s Isila Apkup in a close finish, winning in 12.16 seconds. Fiji’s rising talent Ser Nasilivata took bronze.
The men’s final saw the much-anticipated showdown between PNG teammates Pais Wisil and Tovetuna Tuna, both co-holders of the national record. This time, it was Wisil who came out on top. Fiji’s Waisake Tewa finished strongly for third.

Ambulant Javelin (Women’s)

Fiji’s Naibilib Vatunisolo won gold with a throw of 21.96m and 69.69%. Pacific Games champion Regina Edward (PNG) took silver in her return to the javelin runway.

Men’s Shot Put

Wallis and Futuna’s Stephen Mailagi lived up to expectations with a massive 18.72m to take gold. Nauru’s Jonathan Detageouwa broke his own national record to secure silver.

800m Finals

In the men’s race, Jiuteis Robinson surged late to win in 1:52.56, just ahead of Stephen Rahuasi (SOL) and Adolf Kauba (PNG).
Scholastica Herman claimed the women’s 800m title for PNG. Andrei Kaithlyn Chavez set a new Northern Mariana Islands record, finishing eighth.

100m Wheelchair Final

In a strong PNG showing, Morea Mararos (T34) crossed first with 38.22%, followed by teammate Jerome Bunge and French Polynesia’s Christian Chee Ayee.

With Day 2 wrapped up and Sunday marking a rest day, competition resumes Monday. Expect more medals, more records, and more Pacific pride as athletics continues in Palau.