Australia’s Jack Lunn smashes 24-year-old Pacific Games men’s 800m record

Australian athlete Jack Lunn achieved a remarkable feat on his way to Sol2023 gold in the men’s 800m on Tuesday by smashing the Pacific Games record that had stood for 24 years.

The previous record of 1 minute, 49.54 seconds, set by Isireli Naikelekelevesi from Fiji in the 1999 Mini Games in Guam, has now been surpassed by Lunn’s exceptional performance, winning gold in 1:48.43.

Lunn told the Pacific Games News Service: “I dedicate this win to my family and my country. I’m happy with the win”.

Jack Paine from New Zealand demonstrated his notable athletic competency, securing silver in 1:51.72 seconds. Paine’s feat further solidifies the international nature of the competition, bringing attention to the diverse talent and competitive spirit that characterise the Pacific Games.

“I’m happy with the silver but am also running in the 1500m later on this week, that’s where I have targeted the gold. This is just a by-product, the icing on the cake for the 1500,” Paine said.

Vishant Reddy from Fiji secured bronze, finishing in 1:51.80.

Liam O’Donnell of New Zealand claimed fourth place with a time of 1:54.39, followed by Adolf Kauba of Papua New Guinea with a personal best of 1:54.99. Solomon Islands’ Stephen Rahuasi finished in sixth position with a time of 1:55.26.

Rahuasi said: “Even though I came sixth I’m happy with my performance. Today I competed with different international athletes, it feels different. But I did my best, I will never give up. I will do more preparation to compete in the next Pacific Games in 2027.”

By Peter Psalm, Steven Kamoa and Elmah Palmer, Pacific Games News Service