Fiji’s Yeshnil Karan ran 3 minutes and 59.79 seconds to win the men’s 1500m, to pick up his first Mini Games Gold medal as Banuve Tabakaucoro cruised to his second Gold medal, this time in the men’s 200m.
Athletics Fiji said Karan set the pace of the race from the start, making it difficult for the rest of the field to come within at least 20m. Into the final lap, Karan extended the gap up to 70m to win Gold. Tabakaucoro enjoyed a similar outing in the men’s 200m final. Having started well and taken a comfortable lead, Tabakaucoro cruised the remainder of the way.
The duo’s Gold medal winning form is but part of Team Fiji’s total medal haul on the second last day of the Pacific Mini Games 2022 in the Northern Marianas yesterday, amassing a total four Gold, five Silver and three bronze medals.
The other two Gold medals from yesterday’s meet were from Para athletes Iosefo Rakesa and Naibili Vatunisolo after winning the men’s and women’s ambulant shot put final respectively. Vatunisolo managed 7.42m on her second attempt while Rakesa dominated his event.
Athletics also picked two silver and a bronze medal. High jumper Shawntell Lockington recorded 1.59m in the women’s high jump, and the men’s 4*400m relay team of Samu Railoa, Tony Lemeki, Tabakaucoro and Lasarusa finished second to claim the Silver medal.
Tennis was also played yesterday with Team Fiji reps producing three silver and two bronze medals.
Team Fiji has one final event today, in the men’s half marathon. Fiji will be represented by Avikash Lal, the defending 2019 Pacific Games Champion.
