Eleven athletes will join the Tonga Athletics Team to attend the Pacific Games 2023 in Solomon Islands later this month.

The five men and six women athletes come from Tonga, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.

They were selected according to their track-records.

“There are not many requirements to qualify for the athletics team,” Tonga Athletic Association’s (TAA) Team Manager, Pilimilose Feke told Matangi Tonga today, 9 November.

To qualify for the TAA team, the athlete is required to present their profile, which documents their athletic background, achievements and overall journey. This applies to both local and overseas athletes that are willing to represent Tonga.

She said the athletes profile will be assessed by TAA officers, and the athlete will be picked after a comparison is made between their current track-record and the ‘best’ from previous Pacific Games.

“The closer their track-record time is to the best, it’s more likely they’ll be picked,” she said.

Meanwhile, TAA’s team for the Pacific Games is ready to hit the tracks and fields of Honiara, Solomon Islands. One official, five coaches will accompany the athletes.

The Pacific Games also serves as an Olympic qualifier for Paris in 2024.

Sprinter

Among the four overseas athletes is Bond University (Australia) track sprinter, Babe Antonio Vaitohi, who competes in the 100m and 200m. He was born in Tonga and migrated to Australia at the age of 12 years. Then, just one year after taking up competitive sprinting, he claimed his first Australian championships in the junior 100m and 200m.

"Actually, it was through rugby that I identified my potential in sprinting,” he said. “My dad saw how fast I would run on the field and out of interest he encouraged me to give sprinting a try.

“I still play rugby here and there, but track is my main sport and my primary goal now.”

 The now 20-year-old is completing his Bachelor of Sport Management at Bond University with hopes to continue working within his chosen discipline.

The opening ceremony of the 2023 Pacific Games will take place on Sunday, 19 November 2023, at the Solomon Islands National Stadium in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Team

Men

• Mosese Foliaki (Tonga)
• Maleselo Fukofuka (Tonga)
• Dr. Pe'ofa Tigarea (Fiji)
• Samiuela Latu (Aust)
• Babe Antonio Vaitohi (Aust)

Women

• 'Atamaama Tu'utafaiva (NZ)
• Susana Latu (Aust)
• Hola 'i Moana Tauvaka (Tonga)
• Camille Tangitau (Tonga)
• Tupou Hikilaa (Tonga)
• 'Ofa Tu'ifua (Tonga)

Coaches: Siueni Filimone, Sekona Vi, Sesi Salt, Lolomana'ia Tu'ifua, Pilimilose Prescott Feke.

Official: Palu Havea