Sports

Pacific Mini Games: Tahiti Leads as Samoa and Fiji Push for Podium Spots

KOROR, PALAU – Tahiti has extended its lead at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games, with Samoa holding second place on the medal table while Fiji has moved into third following strong performances in swimming, va’a, and archery.

Tahiti closed Day 2 with 23 gold, 13 silver, and 4 bronze medals, continuing its dominance across multiple sports. Tahiti’s swimmers added five gold medals on Day 2 alone, led by 16-year-old flag bearer Déotille Videau, who captured her fifth gold, and Nael Roux, who secured his fourth. The team also swept gold in the V6 500m va’a events across women’s, men’s, and mixed categories, and added golds in wrestling and archery.

Samoa is holding firm in second place with six gold and four bronze medals. Their medal tally was boosted by Paige Schendelaar-Kemp’s gold in the women’s 100m butterfly, alongside wrestling golds from Shane Palemia (87kg) and Ekitoa Tamati (97kg).

Medal Tally as of July 2nd via Palau National Olympic Committee.

Fiji has climbed to third place with four silver and four bronze medals, showing depth across swimming, va’a, and archery. Fiji’s swimmers have secured medals in the 800 metres freestyle, 50 metres backstroke, and mixed medley relay, while Samuel Yalimaiwai and Kelera Mudunasoko each won gold in the 50 metres breaststroke, setting new national records. (Please note: Awaiting confirmation on these golds as they may still be silver at the time of reporting.)

Samuel Yalimaiwai and Kelera Mudunasoko Photos: Team Fiji

Fiji’s va’a paddlers have contributed multiple medals across V1, V6, and V12 events, including a bronze in the V12 Mixed 500m final. During the medal ceremony, Tahiti claimed gold, Papua New Guinea secured silver, and Fiji took bronze, with medals presented by Palau President HE Surangel S. Whipps Jr and Pacific Games Council President Vidhya Lakhan. (Photo: ANOC / Annice Lyn)

“With more than half the competition still ahead, the medal race promises to deliver thrilling performances as Pacific nations vie for podium positions at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Koror, Palau.” – ONOC

The Games continue until 9 July, with medal events across archery, basketball, swimming, va’a, weightlifting, and more scheduled in the coming days.

Thumbnail via ANOC / Annice Lyn