Sailor John eyes Pacific Games

By ERIC PIET
David John is hoping to win a gold medal at next year’s Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa.
John and teammate Noel Daubu won the Hobie cat portion of the Akzo Nobel 3 Peaks Race at a Royal Papua Yacht Club on Saturday.
They crossed the line in a time of 2 hours 35 minutes (2.35.00).
The runners-up Harry Haro and Basky Charlie finished in 2.35.52 and in third Upu Kila Jr and Jason Reragi in 2.36.41.
John, 23, from Hula, Central, told The National that he was pleased with the effort and that he had improved from his effort last year.
“I took part in this race last year and also in 2016 and I finished fourth and third those times so winning was great,” John said.
“Me and Noel managed to finish first so we’re really happy with that,” John said.
“We trained hard for this event and improved our past records,” he added.
“This win gives us confidence for the 2019 Pacific Games, and we can hopefully win a gold medal in Apia.”
John said their training for the Pacific Games was going well.
The competitors from the top three teams in the Akzo Nobel 3 Peaks hobie cat race will represent the country at the Pacific Games next July.