2026-03-08 - 05:07

8 March 2026 Auckland New Zealand. The blue flag of Samoa flew high at The Trusts Arena as Symone Tafuna’i sprinted her way into the history books, winning the Women’s 100m title at the 2026 Polynesian Track and Field Championships. Competing in front of a roaring crowd in a joint-sanctioned event with the New Zealand Track and Field Championships, Tafuna’i delivered a clinical performance, crossing the finish line in 12.19 seconds to secure the gold medal for Samoa. It was a tightly contested race that saw French Polynesia’s Amy Valet take home the silver medal, while Estelle Short of the Cook Islands claimed the bronze. Fiji’s Sera Nasilivata crossed the line in second place overall, however, as Fiji is not part of the Polynesian Championship bracket, Nasilivata was awarded the visitor’s medal. The official Polynesian podium to Samoa for gold, French Polynesia Silver and Cook Islands Bronze. A Historic Samoan Sweep Tafuna’i’s victory was part of a historic night for Athletics Samoa, as the nation successfully swept the premier sprinting events. Her gold medal performance mirrored that of teammate Johnny Malua, who dominated the Men’s 100m final earlier in the session. Malua crossed the line with 10.88 seconds in a one-two” finish for Samoa, with teammate Falatunatuna Jr Solomona clinching the silver. Tonga’s Titali Kolomalu took the bronze and Fiji’s Ratu Penaia Ramasirai took home the visitor medal having crossed the line in second place. Double Gold for 100m Sprints The double-gold feat in the 100m sprints signals a major shift in Pacific athletics, as Samoa – traditionally known for its world-class throwers – now stands as the undisputed powerhouse of Polynesian sprinting. Both Tafuna’i and Malua are expected to lead the Samoan contingent as they look ahead to the Oceania Athletics Championships later this year.