As we bid farewell to the weightlifting, archery, and para table tennis contingent, marking the end of their respective Pacific Games campaigns, the excitement built, welcoming 13 boxers and 19 athletics athletes to the New Zealand team village.
Boxing:
Alex Mukuka led the charge in the Men's 58kg division. Mukuka faced Christon Amram from Nauru, securing a unanimous win to advance to the next round in some challenging conditions.
Emile Richardson, competing in the Men's 80kg division, faced Roman Viney from Tonga in a closely contested match. Despite a valiant effort, Richardson lost by a split decision, marking the end of his Pacific Games campaign.
Malcolm Mathes secured a walk-over victory in the Men's 92kg division as his opponent failed to make weight, allowing Mathes to progress to the next round.
Athletics:
Over on the athletics track, Georgia Whiteman kicked off the session in the Women's 400m Hurdles, finishing second in her heat, securing a spot in the finals scheduled for Friday.
Stephen Thorpe, competing in the Men's decathlon, expressed his confidence after day one of competition.
"I’m feeling good; I haven’t felt this confident going into an event in a while, and to be in the spot I am in now is super awesome. It’s nice to see the hard work paying off.”
"I would obviously love to come away with a personal best and just do myself proud and see what I can achieve.”
During the evening session, Liam O'Donnell and Jack Paine competed in the Men's 800m heats, both successfully qualifying for the Men's final tomorrow.
The track events continued with Rebecca Peterson and Mariah Ririnui advancing to the Women's 100m semifinal, finishing 9th and 13th overall.
Hayato Yoneto has progressed through to the Men's 100m final on Tuesday evening.
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