We are nearing the end of the athletics competition and the crowd has been treated to some amazing competition at Carrara Stadium.
Oceania athletes have featured strongly in many exciting results, with many personal bests and some National Records.
Jake Robertson of New Zealand set a new National Record in the Men’s 10,000m finishing 5th in a time of 27.30.90.
We were eagerly awaiting the return to competition of Dame Valerie Adams in the Women’s Shot Put. Val showed she is on her way back to her best after welcoming her first baby to the world last year, winning the silver medal. OAA was also very excited to see young Tongan thrower Ata Maama Tuutafaiva showing signs of her future, when she finished 10th in a strong field with a put of 15.36, setting a new Tongan National Record.
The Women’s Pole Vault has long been a strong event in our Area and New Zealand’s Eliza McCartney won the silver medal, with bronze going to Australian Nina Kennedy.
The Men’s Discus final featured six Oceania athletes from Australia, Fiji, PNG and Samoa. PNG athlete Debono Paraka has set a new National Record of 52.60 showing the event is in good shape in the Oceania Area.
The heats of the Men’s relays were held and OAA is so excited to see Fiji progress to the final of the 4 x 400m relay. This will be a great experience for this young team.
