Discus thrower Alex Rose says representing Samoa is a privilege. Photo credit: Casey Sims/Oceania Athletics.
By Michelle Curran
Executive Communications Manager, Pasifika TV/PCBL
When Alex Melei Rose picked up discus as a teenager, he did not know how much it would change the direction of his life and shape his and Samoa’s future.
Born and raised in the United States, of Samoan (Tafatafa, Vaovai) heritage, Alex played American Football growing up and had an opportunity to play Division 1 football, until he discovered he had other athletic talents.
“When I was 16, I picked up a discus and just fell in love with the sport,” Alex says.
“I really liked the individual aspect, and there is something so peaceful and satisfying about improving technique and improving your distance.
“While in college at Central Michigan University, I realised I could progress much quicker than some of my peers, and it pushed me to keep progressing as long as I could.
“Sixteen years later and I’m still progressing,” he quips.
In close to two decades of performing at the top level, Alex has represented Samoa at the past three Olympic Games, won bronze in discus at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, and is eyeing up gold at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games later this year.
Long term, his goal is win an Olympic medal for Samoa.
As his Commonwealth Games campaign ramps up, he will take part in the revived Polynesian Track and Field Championships, from March 5-8, at The Trusts Arena in Auckland.
The Polynesian Games, which will feature over 100 Pacific athletes, is integrated into the New Zealand Track and Field Championships for the first time.
Alex, who threw a massive 66.96m at last year’s in Tokyo, is honoured to represent Samoa at the Polynesian Games, which will showcase Pacific culture and community.
Alex Rose celebrates his bronze medal at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. Photo credit: Casey Sims/Oceania Athletics.
“I really hope the games are inspiring to the youth, and maybe give them more examples of excellence in sport outside of the typical avenues they are used to seeing with maybe rugby, football and so on,” he says.
“Discus throwing is not very popular throughout the Pacific, but I think it is probably growing in popularity/awareness because now the Pacific Islands have won a bronze medal in the event on the world stage.
“I just hope there are Pacific Islanders who are keen to try the sport now and get involved.”
Interest in athletics starts with having good examples in the local community, Alex says.
“As athletes progress and achieve more, they bring those accomplishments home with them – it feels like a win for everyone.
“The more awareness there is for these athletic achievements- with competitions such as these Polynesian Games, the more elite level Pacific athletes there will be.”
Growing up in the States, Alex was exposed to more competition and opportunities than his Samoan counterparts, but when it came to choosing who he would represent on the world stage, his Pacific connection was calling.
“I had the opportunity to throw for the United States or Samoa, and I take so much pride in the fact the Samoan national record is now further than the American record in the discus,” he says.
“I’m not sure if there is another individual sport where that is the case.
“I am inspired by the resilience and strength that my family has shown me my entire life.
“The Samoan people and community are also so strong – I just want to represent them well and make them proud.
“I thank God and feel so blessed for the opportunity to compete for Samoa every time I see the flag on my jersey.
“What an incredible privilege it is to compete for Samoa.”
The revived Polynesian Track and Field Championships are being delivered by Athletics NZ in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), marking a decade since the championships were last held.
The programme will include standalone 100m finals for men and women exclusively for Polynesian nations.
These championship races, alongside the men’s discus, will be staged as part of Track Stars, Aotearoa New Zealand’s premier athletics entertainment show, broadcast live and free on TVNZ 1 and streaming on TVNZ+.
Alongside the competition, a development camp for the competing Polynesian athletes will provide coaching and mentoring opportunities, while officials and coaching workshops will help build capacity and expertise across the islands.
Over 100 athletes from Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Tahiti, American Samoa, French Polynesia, and Niue are expected to compete.
This formal partnership will elevate that involvement and provide structured pathways for athlete development and education.
Athletics NZ has partnered with Pasifika TV to deliver coverage in home nations, connecting these championships to the athletes’ families and friends back home.
Local organising groups will bring cultural flair to the event, creating a vibrant celebration of Polynesian identity alongside world-class competition.
Free General Admission tickets for Track Stars are now available online, as well as spectator tickets for all four days of the New Zealand Track and Field Championships, incorporating the Polynesian Track and Field Championships.
Fans can watch Track Stars from home live and free on TVNZ One or streaming on TVNZ+ or via Pasifika TV in the wider Pacific region.