Pacific Games

Discovering sport has changed her life and Ellie is now one of Vanuatu’s best shot putters and javelin throwers.

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At 15 she stunned Fijians with her speed and flexibility and she quickly became one of the top athletes in the Island nation.

Now at 26, Ana Kaloucava is still racing to get her first ever gold medal in the Pacific Games.

CLICK ON THIS LINK TO HAVE A LISTEN TO ANA KALOUCAVA'S EPISODE:

https://player.whooshkaa.com/episode?id=392835 

He caused the biggest upset after beating 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medalist David Liti from New Zealand and silver medalist Lauititi Lui (Samoa) to win two golds for Tonga in the highest division (Over 109kg) of the weightlifting competition.

The 25-year-old won Gold in the Clean and Jerk category and the Overall category, and a Bronze medal in the Snatch category.

 Tuitupou and fellow underdog Malachi Fa'amausilifala (Samoa) took full advantage of failed lift attempts by the favourites David Liti and Lauititi Lui.

Medals will be dished out today in the men's javelin, women's shot put and the men's 3000m steeplechase, while the heats for one of the glamour events, the men's 100m, will also unfold at Apia Park.

Netball, touch rugby and shooting will also make their first appearance of the Games today.

Competition largely took a break on Sunday, as is tradition, although Pacific Games Council chief executive Andrew Minogue said they did have to make one exception.

After a break from the international sporting stage, she is back in action at the Samoa 2019 XVI Pacific Games, where her side are making headlines themselves.

On Friday, American Samoa ended a 36-year losing streak at the Games when they drew 1-1 with Tuvalu. It was the latest in a series of improving results for a team once branded the worst in the world after a 31-0 loss to Australia in a FIFA world cup qualifying match in 2001, and later made famous in an internationally released documentary film, Next Goal Wins.

Strong performances during the early rounds of competition had seen Rossi advance to the men’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles finals.

He clinched victory in the men’s singles by overcoming New Caledonia’s Yohan De Geoffroy convincingly 21-11, 21-11.

Rossi was joined on the podium by his compatriot Louis Beaubois, who battled to an 18-21, 22-20, 21-17 win over Quentin Bernaix in an all-Tahiti bronze medal match.

The men’s doubles saw Rossi team up with Rauhiri Goguenheim to impressive effect, as they beat Bernaix and Tarepa Bourgery 21-16, 21-13.

Hubbard was favourite to win the gold medal at last year's Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast but had to withdraw mid-competition due to an elbow injury, which later required surgery.

Her appearance in the Australian city divided opinion as Hubbard - born as Gavin before transitioning in her 30s - entered a female event.

Hubbard was eligible to compete at Gold Coast 2018 because she passed the International Olympic Committee criteria for transgender athletes after proving her testosterone levels stayed below certain levels in the 12 months leading up to the event.

Pata and Sherysyn Toko prevailed 21-12, 21-18 on the Apia waterfront yesterday to win Team Vanuatu's second gold medal of the week.

The 31 year old Pata missed the 2015 Games when Vanuatu claimed the silver medal and said it was great to back up the gold medal she won in New Caledonia eight years ago.

"We are really happy to have back the gold medal and yes all our Ni-Van here they are really happy and excited to get back the gold medal."

The Auckland teenager snatched 94kg and clean and jerked 112kg for a 206kg total, to win all three gold medals in the women's 76kg division.

It really does mean a lot because it just shows that all my hard work is paying off, at the end of the day, and I'm just very pleased with myself and all of my team members."

The former Saint Joseph’s Secondary School student is determined to succeed in her 100m and 200m events.

“Preparation has been tough. “I’ve been competing in high school competitions and overseas too. As expected, it has been tough so preparation has to move up another notch. But other than that, everything has been going on well,” Young said.

She was recognised for her ability in running fast at a very young age.