Young athletes deliver medals as coach targets more success on day two
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Central Islands Province has made an encouraging start to the athletics competition at the 2026 Solomon Games, with its young athletes collecting medals on the opening day and setting their sights on further success.
Speaking to members of the media, including Island Sun and Solomon Star, Central Islands athletics coach Raymond Pureke said he was pleased with his team’s performance after achieving the target he had set before competition began.
“So far, since yesterday, I talked strongly to the athletes of Team Central and told them I hoped we would win medals for our province.
“Today, I am very happy because we fulfilled that goal. I believe the athletes performed very well after the encouragement and guidance I gave them,” Mr Pureke said.
Pureke said the team’s preparation had been relatively short, with athletes training together in Tulagi for two weeks before arriving for the Games.
“We trained together for two weeks, and this is now our third week as we compete here at the Solomon Games,” he said.
The coach also highlighted the strong representation from his home community, saying all of Central’s medal winners on the opening day came from Ward 12 in North Savo.
“These athletes are from my community in North Savo. All of the medal winners today are from my community in Ward 12,” he said.
Looking ahead, Pureke remains optimistic about his team’s medal prospects.
“I am hopeful we can win two more gold medals on Day Two, particularly in the 1,500 metres and the women’s 400 metres,” he said.
Among Central’s standout athletes is Form Three student Maclyn Sambi, who is contesting the 800 metres after already enjoying success at the previous Solomon Games.
Sambi told members of the media that this year’s Games marks her second appearance and that she hopes to improve on her previous achievements.
“At the first Solomon Games, I won three medals. This year, I hope to win four medals,” she said.
Reflecting on her performances at the 2023 Games, Sambi said she claimed a gold medal in the 5,000 metres, a silver medal in the 10,000 metres and a bronze medal in the 4×400-metre relay.
Asked how she felt about her achievements, Sambi simply replied, “I feel happy.”
The young athlete said she had spent the past three months preparing for the Games after returning to training following a short break. She also encourages young athletes to remain committed to the sport as they pursue their goals.
Athletics competition at the Solomon Games began on Sunday at the National Stadium, with events including the 10,000 metres, 800 metres and high jump. Medal presentations followed the completion of the opening day’s programme, while more track and field events are scheduled throughout the week as provinces continue their battle for podium finishes.
Photo credit: Richard Menanopo
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