Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
It has been a historical last 24 hours for our Pacific boxers at the Commonwealth Games in Burningham.
Samoan boxer Ato Plodzicki Faoagali and Niuean boxer Duken Tutakitoa Williams made history in the heavyweight division, by taking silver and bronze.
The duo had earlier met in the semi finals, with Faoagali proving too strong for Williams in the final round of their bout. Both fighters knelt and embraced after the fight, showing their respect for each other.
For Williams, his medal placing makes him the first Niuean to ever claim a Commonwealth medal. The 23 year old mentioned on social media that he hopes to win more medals for Niue in the coming years.
Faoagali faced English heavyweight Lewis Williams in the gold medal fight. The Samoan showed immense bravery against his English counterpart, but narrowly missed his chance for golden glory.
Still in the boxing arena, New Zealand fighter Uila Mau’u claimed bronze in the men’s super heavyweight competition. This was New Zealand’s first and only boxing medal for this year’s Commonwealth Games.
Meanwhile Vanuatu duo Miller Pata and Sherysyn Toko clinched bronze in the Women’s Beach Volleyball category, after an amazing victory over New Zealand.
The pair went on an undefeated run in their pool stages before losing to Australia in the semi finals.
In total, our Pacific Islands have won a total of 13 medals at the Commonwealth Games.
