Samoa’s Nathaniel Sulupo retained his bronze medal from four years ago. Photos: Danzo Kakadi, Pacific Games News Service
Stephen Mailagi from Wallis and Futuna topped the podium in the men’s shot put event at the Sol2023 Pacific Games on Friday to add to his men’s discus gold won the previous day at Honiara’s National Stadium.
Mailagi threw 17.63 metres, comfortably further than Tahiti’s Tumatai Dauphin (who is the Pacific Games record holder in this event and silver medallist from Samoa 2019), who threw 15.32m
Samoa’s Nathaniel Sulupo also retained his podium spot from four years ago, earning bronze with a throw of 14.79m.
In an interview following his gold-medal triumph, 22-year-old Mailagi described the honour of representing Wallis and Futuna.
“I’m proud to represent Wallis and Futuna, and I’m very happy to have won a medal in my favourite sport. I had a lot of fun with my friends and everyone, and I hope to prepare for the next Games,” he said.
Looking ahead, Mailagi outlined his post-Games plans. “The program after this is that we will do two months of training in Wallis, and we will have a competition in Paris in February, and I think we will maintain our position,” he stated confidently.
By Lamantha Lano and Junior Sisima, Pacific Games News Service
