The Asian Indoor Games, has seen Oceania athletes set multiple national records over the three day meet.
The Oceania region, was represented by ASA, COK, FIJ, FSM, GUM, KIR, MHL, NRU, PLW, SAM, SOL, TUV, VAN in Turkmenistan.
With top quality line ups coming to the meet, it was always going to be a fantastic opportunity for athletes to perform to their best. None more so an example of this than, Kiribati High Jumper, Lataisi Mwea. The 17 year old jumped a personal best, and national indoor record of 1.95m. This record is even more impressive, as there are no high jump mats in Kiribati . He is one to look out for in the future.
Oceania best placings came from the Women’s Shot Put on the final day. With the Cook Island’s Tereapii Tapoki and Fiji’s Mereoni Bonasere finishing 5th and 8th respectively. The Women’s Shot Put is now firming as a competitive event for the Pacific Mini Games, in December. With Ashley Bologna (NCL) and Atamaama Tu’utafaiva both having thrown over 14m this year. In the Mens competition, Fijian Mustafa Fall, set a national indoor record with a put of 14.62m.
The Men’s blue ribboned sprint event indoors, the 60m, witnessed 3 National Records fall in the heats. With Daniel Philemon (Vanuatu), Aaron Powell (Fiji) and Tirioro Willie (Kiribati) all lowering their respective national records. The time Aaron Powell ran in his heat, was good enough to get him through to the semi-finals. In his semi, he faced off against Oceania 100m and 200m Champion Jeremy Dodson (Samoa). Whilst Dodson claimed a slight victory over Powell by 0.01s, the Fijian was able to lower his national record again, but unfortunately, neither of them were quick enough to advance to the final. Makereta Naulu (Fiji) bettered the national record in the heats of the Womens 60m.
Not to be out done by the sprinters, Solomon Island athlete Sharon Firisua, set a national indoor record in the Women’s 3000m, recording a time of 10 minutes 28 seconds. Whilst hurdler Errol Qaqa from Fiji, set a 60m hurdles record, and Nathan Kalman (Vanuatu) set a new 400m National Record.
The 3 day event finished traditionally with the 4x400m relay. The Vanuatu Men’s team finished a credible 6th in the final, capping off a great 3 days for all Federations involved.
Full Results Asian Indoor Games 2017
With only 80 days until the Mini Games, Federations are beginning the all important selection process with trials happening over the coming weeks.
