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Honiara, Solomon Islands – The 2023 Pacific Games saw quite a spectacle of athletes pushing themselves to their limits. Spirits were high, there was a lot of emotions, and other than hearts broken, records were also broken in the 2023 Pacific Games.
Fiji had an impressive first match against Tahiti that ended with a wide margin of 70-45. Their final match against Guam was a close finish of 51-47. This is Fiji’s first gold in 16 years of the basketball category.
A Tongan teen golfer who led from the first round, has ended her Games debut with a gold medal win.
Speaking to Pacific Games News Service (PGNS), Sālote Alexis Vakasiuola, who has been golfing since the age of six says she is overjoyed with her first Pacific Games.
“I just want to thank the people of Tonga for all their support. I miss them so much, and I love them,” Vakasiuola.
Niue wins their first Gold Medal with Duken Williams in the 86M Boxing Event.
Don Opeloge of Samoa set a new Oceania and Pacific Games record in the men’s 102kg on a day which he dominated alongside teammate Maeu Nanai Livi in front of their vocal Samoa teammates.
Nu’u Tuilefano from Samoa broke the 18 year-old Pacific Games record of 16.92m in the Shotput category. The previous record was held by Tonga’s Ana Po’uhila in the 2005 Palau Mini Games.
New Caledonia started and finished strong with a total of 82 gold medals, 57 silver, and 58 bronze ending with 197 total medals.
Tahiti follows second after recently stealing the second position from Australia with a total of 57 gold, 53 silver, and 50 bronze totaling 160 medals.
Finally, Australia is in third with 50 gold, 24 silver, 10 bronze totaling 84 pushing Samoa out of third place with 76 total medals.
There were underdogs, and there were favorites in these games. In the end, there will forever be memories.