Masters Athletes Shine at Pacific Mini Games
A total of 34 Masters-aged athletes (30+) took to the track, field, and road at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games. The group brought home 27 medals and broke five national records across various events, and many set new personal bests, showing there is no slowing down.
Hometown hero Palau’s Edwin Tucheliaur F37, a 46-year-old Para Athlete, was the oldest competitor in the field, and Bouncer Quadiner (NRU) the youngest of the Masters all going head to head with Open athletes in Palau.
Record Breakers:
- Simeon Jacob (FSM): National Records in the 1500m, 5000m, and 10,000m
- Pol-Elie Raoult (French Polynesia): Mixed 4x400m Relay
- Jonathan Detageouwa (Nauru): Shot Put
Masters Athletics continues to grow across the Pacific with athletes balancing full-time work, family life, and training. We spoke with two seasoned competitors who have become regulars on the Oceania Events continuing to improve year on year.
Errol Qaqa (Fiji): Hurdling Into His Prime
Fresh off a personal best and gold medal in the Men’s 110m Hurdles, Errol Qaqa shared the roots of his athletic journey.
“For kids in Fiji, athletics was often the first sport we tried—even before rugby or netball. I ran my first 50m in kindergarten,” he recalls. “I’ve stuck with it because it’s inclusive, non-contact, and perfect for my fragile little body,” he jokes.
His highlight from the Games? Watching his training partner Heleina Young return from a six-year break to become the “Most Outstanding female athlete of the games”
Now 33, Qaqa is still setting PBs and hopes others will be inspired to get involved, no matter their age.
“Your body changes, but that doesn’t mean you stop. You just train smarter. Focus on small improvements and listen to your body.”
His next goal: A medal at the Oceania Cup and continuing to inspire the next generation of Pacific athletes.
Jeofry Limtiaco (Guam): Running for Purpose
Quarter miler and relay stalwart Jeofry Limtiaco was a finalist in the Men’s 400m Hurdles and a key member of Guam’s relay teams. For him, athletics has always been about more than just the clock.
“ I think what truly got me into athletics was more than just the physical & athletic aspects of the sport, it was the camaraderie you can build with others, whether it’s teammates or competitors, I feel like it makes any result that much more fulfilling. What has kept me going in this sport, first off, My kids. I want to be able to inspire them and do something they can look back at and be proud of. Secondly, it is that drive to be the best athlete I can be. At the beginning of every season I always feel like there is so much I can still give to the sport. And every year it’s no different, I live for the opportunity to better myself as an athlete”.
Limtiaco’s proudest moment wasn’t a personal performance but seeing Guam’s young team thrive under pressure.
“They stepped up with PBs, medals, and heart. I’m so proud. And seeing familiar faces from across the Pacific—there’s nothing like the bonds built through competition.”
At 34, Limtiaco continues to chase national records and dreams of qualifying for the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti, with the 2026 Micronesian Games on horizon in Nauru.
“Age changes how you recover and train, but not what you’re capable of. Start where you are. Surround yourself with people who believe in you.”
What’s Next for these Masters Athletes?
With the Pacific Mini Games wrapped, the focus shifts to the Oceania Cup and the Oceania Masters Athletics Cup, both set for Tonga later this year. For many, it’s another chance to chase personal bests, whilst wearing their countries colours.
📍 Nominations now open: bit.ly/OAACUP25
—ENDS—