Tahiti’s Amandine Matera comfortably wins women’s 3000m steeplechase

Spectators at the Sol2023 Pacific Games were treated to a sensational and satisfying athletic performance in the women’s 3000 metre steeplechase at Honiara’s National Stadium on Friday as a new champion was crowned.

Amandine Matera of Tahiti emerged as the undisputed winner, clocking an impressive time of 11 minutes and 30.71 seconds in the searing heat.

The silver medal found its worthy recipient in Lovelyn Kab’a from Solomon Islands, who finished with a time of 12.08.49 seconds.

Just behind her was Papua New Guinea’s Mary Tenge, who crossed the line in 12:11.04. Tenge, who secured gold in this event at the Pacific Mini Games in Saipan in 2022, had to settle for bronze here.

“I’m so happy with the race, but the sun is also very hot. But I managed to work my way through. It was not easy for me but I’m happy I won,” Matera admitted.

By Peter Psalm, Pacific Games News Service