Former Solomon Islands representative beams with pride as his children continue the family’s sporting tradition with gold medal performances at the Solomon Games
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
For former Solomon Islands representative Ezekiel Rangi, watching his children stand at the 2026 Solomon Games podium is more than a proud family moment—it is also the continuation of a sporting legacy built over many years.
Speaking to Island Sun following the athletics competition at the King George (KG) sports precinct in Honiara, Rangi said seeing his son Joseph and daughter Karen both win gold medals was one of the proudest moments of his life and a sign that the family’s passion for sport will continue into the next generation.
“Joseph Rangi and Karen Rangi are my children, and I am very proud of what they have achieved.
“I represented the Solomon Islands in the past, and it means a lot to see my children now following that same path and achieving success for Central Province,” he said.
Rangi said his greatest hope had always been to pass on his experience and love for sport to his children so they could continue building on what he had started during his own sporting career.
“I want to pass my legacy on to my children.
“The main idea for me is to encourage young people to take part in sport so that when they achieve their goals, it becomes something they can carry with them and remember throughout their lives,” Rangi said.
He said the message extends beyond his own family as he urges young athletes across the country to embrace sport and commit themselves to training and discipline.
“Every athlete who competes contributes to the growth of the sport.
“I want young people in the Solomon Islands to continue participating in sport because they are the future,” he said.
Rangi said watching Joseph and Karen succeed reflected not only their own hard work and commitment, but also the values that had been passed down through the family over the years.
“I am very proud of both of them.
“I hope they will continue carrying on what I have done and continue building their future through sport,” he said.
He also thanked his family for their continued support throughout his sporting journey and said their encouragement had played an important role in helping the family’s sporting tradition continue.
Joseph Rangi claimed gold in the men’s javelin with a winning throw of 49.50 metres, while his younger sister Karen Rangi secured gold in the women’s shot put with a best throw of 8.88 metres, giving Central Province two athletics titles during the Solomon Games.
Their achievement is another chapter to the Rangi family’s sporting story, highlighting how the Solomon Games continues to provide a platform not only for new champions to emerge but also for sporting traditions and family legacies to be passed from one generation to the next.
Photo credit: Richard Menanopo
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