Great performance by Team Tonga at Commonwealth Youth Games 2017 Featured
John Paul Wilson, Wales (left) with Tu’ihalangingie Vea of Tonga (56kg)
24 July, 2017. The members of Team Tonga, and in particular, the swimming performed exceptionally well at the Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG) which has been recently closed yesterday, Sunday 23rd in the Bahamas.
Tonga managed to send only 4 athletes (which was comprised of 3 swimmers and 1 boxer). As has been reported earlier, the boxer, Tu’ihalangingie Vea (56kg) lost on a split decision (3-2) to John Paul Wilson of Wales last Thursday.
For the swimmers, they did amazingly well considering the resources and training they did leading up to the Games.
According to Team Manageress Vila Day, “she could not ask for more as these young athletes are on the right pathways to 2019 Pacific Games and hopefully the bigger prize of qualifying to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
The individual results were as follows. Finau ‘Ohuafi, age 16, took part in 5 events and recorded Personal Best (PB) in those 5 events (50m Butterfly, Breaststroke and Free style and 100m Breaststroke and Free style).
Noelani Day, age 14, took part in 5 events and achieved Personal Best in 4 (50m and 100m Butterfly and Free style).
Iki Tuitavake jnr, age 14, competed in 4 events and achieved Personal Best (PB) on three events (50m Free style and 100m Breaststroke and Free style).
According to Chef de Mission, ‘Amanaki Fakakovikaetau, the team is in good spirit and excited and now only awaiting their flight home tonight.
