World V1 sprint champ powers to victory

 By ISAIAH IGISH

V1 SPRINT world record holder Makiroto Tuatini of Tahiti powered his way to a gold medal yesterday at the Lancron Naval Base bay.

The champion, who broke the world record time of 2 minutes 01.44 seconds last April, fired his way to the finish line with stiff competition from New Caledonia’s Titiuan Puyo, who settled for silver.

Wallis and Futuna’s Jacky Tuakofenua took bronze. 

Tuatini, who is taking part in the Pacific Games for the first time, said he was happy with the win and dedicated it to the people of Tahiti.

“It wasn’t really easy with New Caledonia trying to stay in contention and I kept on pushing,” Tuatini, who is captain of the Tahiti men’s V6 and V12 teams, said.

Tuatini’s team mate Brenda Vaimiti grabbed gold in the women’s V1 division. 

New Caledonia’s Lovaina Tetuira and the Cook Islands Serena Hunter claimed silver and bronze respectively. 

Tuatini is the V1 world champion after winning the World Sprint Championships in Brazil in August last year. 

He has been competing in canoeing for ten years.

Results: Men: Tuatini (Tahiti) 2:35:47, Puyo (New Caledonia) 2:37:76, Tuakofenua (Wallis and Futuna) 2:49:52, John Raiter (Cook Islands) 2:52.45, Eric Mendiola (Guam) 3:14.36. 

Women: Vaimiti (Tahiti) 3:05.48, Tetuira (New Caledonia) 3:13.47, Hunter (Cook Islands) 3:14.27, Theresa Avor (Fiji) 3:15.77, Carloine Tauhola (Wallis and Futuna) 3:20.93.