Pacific athletes shine at Polynesian Track and Field Championships in Auckland
“I really hope the games are inspiring to the youth, and maybe give them more examples of excellence in sport outside of the typical avenues they are used to seeing with maybe rugby, football and so on.” - Alex Rose
More than 100 athletes from across the Pacific gathered in Auckland this month for the return of the Polynesian Track and Field Championships, held alongside the New Zealand Track and Field Championships at Trusts Arena from 5 to 8 March.
The championships returned after a decade away, bringing together competitors from across the Moana in an event that celebrates both sport and culture. Delivered by Athletics New Zealand in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the meet also serves as an important stepping stone ahead of a busy international athletics season, including the Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin, the Commonwealth Games and the World Under 20 Championships.
One of the headline athletes of the meet was Samoa’s Alex Rose, who earlier this year made history by becoming Samoa’s first World Athletics Championships medallist with bronze in the discus. In Auckland, the three time Olympian opened his season by claiming the Polynesian men’s discus title with a throw of 62.77m.
On the track, Samoa’s Symone Tafuna’i sprinted to victory in the Polynesian women’s 100 metres final, crossing the line in 12.19. Amy Valet of French Polynesia finished second, with Cook Islands athlete Estelle Short taking third place.
The men’s 100 metres saw Samoa again dominate the podium. Johnny Malua claimed the Polynesian title in 10.88, with fellow Samoan Falatunatuna Jr Solomona finishing second and Tonga’s Titali Kolomalu placing third.
Cook Islands athlete Max Teuruaa produced one of the standout performances of the championships. In a remarkable sequence of events, he first equalled his own national pole vault record at 4.00m before switching events and breaking the Cook Islands 110 metres hurdles record. He later returned to the track and broke the record again in the final, running 15.34 to secure the Polynesian Championship title.
“Sometimes things align the right way. And it just happened today. I think, because I had the support of all my nation and my family and my friends, I think that’s why I was able to do it,” Teuruaa said.
American Samoa’s Matthew Fiso also delivered a memorable performance, setting a new national record in the triple jump with a leap of 14.12m.
“It means a lot to me ‘cause, you know, my dad, sadly, passed away around last year, and he was big. Our family were all connected with Samoa, and it just means a lot to me that I can fulfil his name and put a show on for him,” he said.
Beyond the competition, athletes also gathered at AUT Millennium ahead of the championships for a development camp focused on coaching, mentoring and building connections across Pacific athletics federations.
With record breaking performances, emotional personal victories and strong representation from across the region, the return of the Polynesian Track and Field Championships highlighted the strength of Pacific athletics and the pride athletes carry when representing their islands on the track.
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All pictures via Oceania Athletics