NZ claim another gold and silver double in women’s 1500m

New Zealand’s Tillie Hollyer and Peyton Leigh claimed the top two spots on the podium in the Sol2023 Pacific Games women’s 1500 metre race at Honiara’s National Stadium on Thursday.

The duo picked up in the women’s 1500m where they had left off in the women’s 800m on Tuesday, again claiming gold and silver for their country.

Hollyer, with a spectacular performance, secured the gold medal with a remarkable time of 4:26.06. Not only did she clinch gold, but Hollyer also engraved her name in the record books by setting a new Pacific Games record. The previous record of 4:29.30 (set by Nadia Prasad of New Caledonia back at the Tahiti 1995 Pacific Games) now stands surpassed, as Hollyer’s exceptional run left a lasting mark on the event.

Reflecting on her achievement just before the record was confirmed, Hollyer said: “I think it might have been a competition record, which was also kind of my goal. I went out quite hard and tried to be consistent.”

Following closely behind her teammate, Leigh secured the silver medal with a commendable time of 4:39.53. Leigh expressed her joy at sharing the podium with Hollyer and emphasised the significance of having a teammate alongside her.

“I’m very, very happy, I’m glad Tillie and I were able to get the gold and silver,” she told the Pacific Games News Service. I think it makes it a little bit better having a teammate get it with me.”

The bronze medal went to Tahiti’s Angele Richard, a 15-year-old sensation, who showcased remarkable talent with a time of 4:43.18. Richard’s achievement added a youthful energy to the podium, emphasising the diverse range of track talent at the Sol2023 Pacific Games.

By Lamantha Lano and Junior Sisima, Pacific Games News Service