Australia Takes Early Lead After Day Two of the Oceania Cup
Australia moved to the top of the points table after Day Two of the Oceania Cup, finishing the day on 99 points, ahead of Polynesia (84.5) and Hawaii (72).
The Australian sprint squad delivered early momentum, claiming both 100m titles. Jai Gordon won the men’s event in 10.46, while Ebony Newton took the women’s race in 12.09, securing maximum points for Team Australia.
In the field, Team Tonga’s ‘Atamaama Tu’utafaiva won the Women’s Shot Put, and Nathaniel Sulupo of Team Polynesia took the Men’s title, giving the Polynesian and Tongan teams full points in both events.
The Para Discus events saw Tongan athletes compete on home soil for the first time across both seated and ambulant categories. Australia’s Zac Harding (F36) achieved a major milestone, breaking the 20m mark for the first time with a personal best throw.
Australia’s Jackson Mellor dominated the Men’s Hammer, finishing more than 15 metres ahead of the field to collect another 10 points for his team. Samoa’s record holder Iorana Tuafafo Tail earned valuable points for Polynesia, while Taleyah Jones set a new Norfolk Islands record in the Women’s Hammer.
In the Masters competition, Australian throwers filled the Women’s 30–59 podium, with Tonga’s Pilimilose Feke finishing third in the 55–59 category. The Polynesian athletes controlled the 60+ division, with Eleni Pelesikoti of Tonga winning with 8.82m. Tuvalu celebrated its first podium of the meet with Okilani Tinilau finishing second in the Men’s Masters Long Jump (35–39).
The Men’s High Jump saw Australian duo Conor Larsen and Zane Patterson clear 2.10m to earn full points. National record holders Samson Hewitt (Team Polynesia) and William Reed (Team Micronesia) followed closely, taking 8 and 6 points respectively.
New Zealand claimed double gold in the Triple Jump, with Hannah Collins and Zhan Bowden topping the Men’s and Women’s events. Mia de Jager added to the New Zealand medal count, winning the Women’s High Jump ahead of Genevieve Booker (Australia) and Grace Blanchette (Hawaii).
In the Masters Women’s Long Jump, Dash Newington of Great Britain and Northern Ireland continued her strong form, taking overall gold alongside consistent results on the track.
The invitational throwing events saw Team Tonga dominate once again, filling the podium and taking advantage of the home crowd supporting.
On the track, Team Melanesia’s Errol Qaqa opened the day with a commanding win in the Men’s 100m Hurdles. The Women’s Hurdles event saw the points shared between Polynesia, Hawaii, and Australia, with Newton adding another first-place finish.
Australia continued its run of success in the 400m events, with Josh Fabiani and Jasmine Guthrie both claiming 10 points each.
Masters 100, 800, 3000m, and hurdles kept the track rolling through the afternoon. Cult hero Hansel Whippy of Fiji taking line honours in the Men’s Masters 100m, Australia’s Lee-Anne Nelson the fastest across the board in the Women’s competition. Showing their skills across the distances the duo took out the 800m.
The day closed with the 1500m races, featuring a trans-Tasman battle. Hannah McManus took the Women’s title for Australia, and Dezmond Cutter won the Men’s event for New Zealand. Northern Mariana Islands athlete Tania Tan broke her national record in the 1500m, rounding out a strong day of competition.
Competition continues tomorrow with relays, field events, and para finals as teams look to build on early momentum in the race for the Oceania Cup trophy.
Day 3 awaits
Day 3 Schedule https://athleticsoceania.anet.live/meets/58216
Day 3 Live Stream: Oceania Athletics Facebook page
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