Fiji’s weightlifter Eroni Talemaigau won three bronze medals, one of which from his record-breaking lift in the Men’s 55kg Clean and Jerk competition at the Pacific Mini Games 2022 which continues in Saipan, Northern Marianas.
Talemaigau lifted 82kg in the snatch and 105kg in the Clean &Jerk for a total lift of 187kg. He was challenged by 105Kg but secured two out of three votes needed to proceed to the next round. He missed his first two lifts in the Snatch and he also missed lifts two and three in the clean and jerk but showed true grit when he attempted 115kg in the clean and jerk competition to set an Oceania Youth record.
Of the competitors in his weight category, Talemaigau appeared to be the youngest.
In other events, Fiji’s silver medal was added on by Va’a rep Elenoa Vateitei. Vateitei did well to post a better time than the heats earlier, but had to settle for the silver medal in the V1 500 sprints after finishing behind Tahiti. Clayton Horsfall picked up the bronze medal in the men’s V1 500 event, Fiji’s fourth bronze medal of the day. Vateitei clocked two minutes and 35.42 seconds to Tahiti’s 2.31.45. Horsfall finished in 2 minutes 17.49 seconds.
Fiji’s baseball team lost to the host side 16-0 while Ateca Vira bombed out in the clean and jerk of the women’s 55kg competition.
Meanwhile, Fiji has dropped seventh in the standings with two silver and four bronze medals. PNG leads with four gold medals, two silver, and a bronze medal.
