Pole vault silver medallist eyes decathlon gold at Pacific Games

TEAM Papua New Guinea’s Karo Iga, the pole vault silver medalist at the 2015 Port Moresby Pacific Games, made his debut in the men’s decathlon in Samoa yesterday.
The decathlon got underway at Apia Park Stadium with the 100m sprint followed by long jump, shot put, high jump and the 400m under the shadow of the Games torch blazing through the gloomy sky.
Iga, whose forte is the pole vault, one of the five remaining events of the men’s decathlon, sits in second place on the results table in his bid for a medal.
The 27-year-old dominated on the track and field, leading in all events except for shot put but, that did not diminish his satisfaction.
“I am happy with my performance in the first five events and I am looking forward to the last five events, especially pole vault because I know I can do well,” he said.
“Some of the last five events will be a challenge for me but I am happy with how well I went tonight (Monday) and I think I can do well tomorrow.”
Iga is competing alongside PNG teammate, Cletus Mosi, who sits in fourth place in the standings and is hopeful of the final five events as they defend the men’s decathlon gold won by their countryman, Robson Yinambe, four years ago.
“I want to achieve what I have been training for and win bronze, silver or even gold. I will be happy as long as I get a medal,” Mosi said.
Despite some concerns over the 400m, Mosi expressed his satisfaction at his finish yesterday evening, halfway through the decathlon.
“I am happy with my performance this afternoon and my 400m finish tonight although my strides were affected by a bit of lactic acid in my leg,” he said.
“I know that I will have to improve on my throws in javelin and discus but I am looking forward to the 100m hurdles and pole vault.”
Sitting in first place and standing in the way of gold for either of the PNG duo is New Caledonia’s Florian Geffrouais.
He is leading with 3,773 points after his outstanding performance in the shot put, where he scored 755 points – 264 points more than Iga.
Overall, Iga is in second with 3,726 points, Tahiti’s Timona Poareu is in third place with 3,470 points and Mosi is fourth with 3,330 points.
The remaining six competitors will have their work cut out to overhaul the leading four on day two.
Today’s remaining events – javelin, discus, 110m hurdles, pole vault and the 1,500m — will determine who will be on the podium at the end of the men’s decathlon. The action resumes on at 10am (Samoa time) at Apia Park Stadium.
– gamesnewsservice