Poama Qaqa powered Team Fiji’s surge up the medal standings at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau after winning three medals in weightlifting yesterday.
The 28-year-old athlete from Gau claimed two silver medals in the men’s 71kg snatch and total, before securing a bronze in the clean and jerk.
Qaqa couldn’t contain his emotions as he reflected on his journey and remembering those who have been by his side.
“I dedicate this medal to my family back in Fiji especially to my daughter. She has been supporting me since i started training again in Levuka. This is also to my mum, uncles and aunties.
“At my age, I hardly trained unlike my teammates. I’ve only just returned to the sport but nothing is impossible,” he said.
Earlier on Wednesday evening, Team Fiji flagbearer Kelera Mudunasoko added another highlight to Fiji’s campaign by winning her second gold medal in the women’s 100 metres breaststroke final.
She broke the national record with a time of 1 minute 12.01 seconds.
Earlier in the competition, Mudunasoko had also set a national record in the 50m breaststroke with a time of 32.62 seconds, where she won her first gold medal.
Samuel Yalimaiwai collected his second gold medal after finishing first in the men’s 100m breaststroke final.
He had earlier won gold in the 50m breaststroke and set a national record in that event.
In Para Table Tennis, Akanisi Latu and Merewalesi Roden combined to defeat Tahiti 3-2 in the women’s team final to bring home gold.
Fiji’s sixth gold of the day came from Va’a, where Elenoa Vateitei produced a strong performance to win the V1 16km marathon.
Swimmer Tolu Young secured a silver medal in the men’s 50m butterfly, while Hansel McCaig earned bronze in the same race.
Don Younger added a bronze in the men’s 100m breaststroke final.
Following the successful game day Team Fiji moved from seventh to third on the overall medal table with six gold, eleven silver and eleven bronze medals.
