New Caledonia’s Nils Poppe takes gold in men’s hammer throw

New Caledonia’s Nils Poppe successfully defended New Caledonia’s claim on gold in the men’s 7.26kg hammer throw at the Sol2023 Pacific Games at Honiara’s National Stadium on Wednesday.

Poppe’s victory came as no surprise to those who witnessed his exceptional performance, unleashing a best throw of 52.65 metres to secure his place at the top of the podium.

Competing against a field of seven formidable opponents, Poppe’s main competition came from Tahiti’s Maitoa Pito, who clinched the silver medal with a throw of 45.93m. Samoa’s Nathaniel Sulupo displayed remarkable skill, earning the bronze with a throw measuring 42.77m.

New Caledonia’s Daniel Filituulaga secured the fourth position with a throw of 42.42m, demonstrating the depth of talent within the New Caledonian contingent.

Samoa’s Jeminai Leutu-ulu claimed the fifth spot with a throw of 38.99m, Norfolk Island’s Brentt Jones, who is 54 years of age, put up a commendable performance, finishing in sixth place with a throw of 36.55m.

Solomon Islands’ William Billy Bennett finished in seventh position with a throw of 26.52m and his fellow countryman Wayne Charles Oiofa finished eighth with a throw measuring 20.11m.

Bronze medallist Sulupo told the Pacific Games News Service: “I was able to get a bronze medal, I feel really good though, super proud of myself and really happy to be able to add to Samoa’s medal tally”.

By Lamantha Lano and Junior Sisima, Pacific Games News Service