Tagata Pasifika

The Pacific voice on
New Zealand television
since 1987

Tagata Pasifika

The Pacific voice on
New Zealand television
since 1987

More medals for our Pacific athletes at Commonwealth Games

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
Duken Tutakitoa Williams of Team Niue and Ato Plodzicki Faoagali of Team Samoa. Photo: Facebook / Lolo Heimuli
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Neueli Mauafu | Reporter

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.

Duken Holo Tutakitoa-Williams of Team Niue. Photo: Getty Images

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. 

New Zealanad’s Uila Mau’u punches England’s Delicious Orie during theie men’s super heavyweight semifinal on day nine of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Photo: Getty Images

Meanwhile Vanuatu duo Miller Pata and Sherysyn Toko clinched bronze in the Women’s Beach Volleyball category, after an amazing victory over New Zealand. 

Sherysyn Toko and Miller Pata of Team Vanuatu celebrate their victory in the Women’s Beach Volleyball – Bronze Medal match against New Zealand. Photo: Facebook/Vanuatu Beach Volleyball

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.

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