Boxing:
In a display of sheer dominance, our boxers showcased exceptional skills on Day 9 of the Pacific Games, securing victories and advancing to the semi-finals.
Kalani Marra, competing in the 63.5kg division, delivered a powerful performance, securing a victory against Lautofa Lutu of Samoa. The referee stopped the contest in round 3, solidifying Marra's path to the semi-finals.
Wendell Stanley, in the Men’s 71kg division, demonstrated his prowess by winning against Dicks Lio of the Solomon Islands. The referee halted the contest in round 2, with Stanley progressing through to the semis.
Patrick Mailata exhibited his strength in the Men’s 92+kg category, clinching victory with a knockout against Ladan Liu. With this impressive win, Mailata advances to the semi-finals on Thursday.
Athletics:
The athletics team delivered fantastic results on Day 9, bringing home five medals - one gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze.
Elizebeth Hewitt secured New Zealand’s first medal in athletics, earning silver in the Women’s hammer throw.
Despite acknowledging it wasn't her best competition, Hewitt expressed her gratitude.
“I’m pretty stoked. It wasn’t my best competition. My series wasn’t amazing, but I feel incredibly grateful and pretty proud to win a silver medal for New Zealand at the Games,” Hewitt said.
Jack Paine clinched a silver medal in the Men’s 800m final, clocking in at 1:51.72, trailing behind Australia’s Jack Lunn. Kiwi Liam O’Donnell finished fourth with a time of 1:54.39.
Tillie Hollyer and Peyton Leigh dominated the Women’s 800m final, securing first and second place with times of 2:12.29 and 2:13.79, respectively. Hollyer's outstanding performance earned New Zealand its first gold medal in athletics.
"I had to go out from the gun, just run it hard, and hope that I could stay in front. It's an incredible feeling to bring home the first gold medal for New Zealand in athletics,” said Hollyer.
Stephen Thorpe concluded the Decathlon with a bronze medal, expressing his joy, "It’s an honour to bring a medal home. To secure a medal in my first New Zealand representative event is truly awesome."
This brings New Zealand's total medal count on Day 9 to 28.
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