Owusu of Australia wins women’s triple jump

Desleigh Owusu of Australia claimed gold in the women’s triple jump at the Sol2023 Pacific Games on Thursday with a best jump of 13.23 metres at Honiara’s National Stadium.

The silver medal went to Vanuatu’s Lyza Malres (12.04m) while Papua New Guinea’s Rellie Kaputin claimed bronze, jumping 11.90m.

Reflecting on her win and experience at Sol2023, Owusu told the Pacific Games News Service: “Solomon Islands is a beautiful country and the people are very nice. I am very happy to be here.

“In terms of my performance, I did expect something more from myself but what can you do, a win is a win so I am still happy.”

Evaluating her performance, Owusu said: “I think what went well is that I was able to handle the situation well throughout, mentally. I mean throughout the whole competition. I knew I could do better so I stayed positive.

“I was struggling to get onto the board. I was behind the board and I was over the board and one jump on the board so yes, that is what I did not do well.

“I think I need to be more consistent and I could do really well.”

Silver medallist Marles said: “This is my personal best and I was so proud of myself. Thank you to everyone for the support.

“This is my second Pacific Games and I was very scared knowing I would be competing against Australia and New Zealand, but I am so happy that I won silver.”

Kaputin, who also won bronze in Wednesday’s high jump, said: “Coming to this Games, my goal was to win a medal.

“I got my first medal yesterday in high jump, I got one today in triple jump, and I am hoping to get one more medal tomorrow in women’s long jump.”

The women’s long jump final is at 11am on Friday.

By Jenabeth Sara and Meleseini Tufui, Pacific Games News Service