FIJI’S Kolinio Qarau won the Octathlon event that finished off on Wednesday at the BCI Stadium.
The first-timer to the regional meet has been overjoyed with his first taste of victory in the Pacific Mini Games (PMG).
“I was over the moon with the win and I think the support from the family and friends helped me to win this gold medal,” Qarau said. “I want to thank the Almighty and my dad for guiding me all throughout the event.”
The 23-year-old Ra native made a great start on Tuesday (day one of the octathlon competition) by winning the men 100 metres sprint, long jump and 400m sprint open events.
Tahiti’s Yoann Barff, the only rival to Qarau after homeboy Harmon Harmon pulled out due to a hamstring injury he sustained on the track, managed to win two of the eight events.
Barff won the men shot put open and javelin events.
Qarau succeeded in the remaining two events on Wednesday after wining the men 110m hurdles, high jump and 1000m race to claim the gold medal.
He managed to collect a total of 4719 points – way ahead pf Barff who scooped 4138 points.
An octathlon is an athletics sport which consists of eight track and field events - Rashneel Kumar: Cook Islands News
Last Modified on 26/09/2009 06:59