Yao wows
Source:
The National, Tuesday July 14th, 2015
By ISAIAH IGISH
PAPUA New Guinea’s evergreen long distance runner Sapolai Yao bagged the first gold medal for the country on the athletics tracks last night.
In an impressive performance, the Chimbu-man led the race from the start to finish ahead of teammate Skene Kiage.
Yao and Kiage’s performance in the 3000m steeplechase had more than 10,000 supporters on their feet at the Sir John Guise Stadium.
An elated Yao said he came into the race on home soil, prepared for a gold medal performance.
“I’ve prepared a long time ago so I deserve the win,” Yao said.
“Another half marathon to go and I am looking forward to this one.
“I’m very, very excited about the win.”
Yao said the biggest mountain he had to climb in the race was the last lap, fighting exhaustion to finish the seven-lap race.
“The hardest part of the race was the last part of the hurdles. I found it hard to jump and I fell.” Yao finished in 9:38.9, ahead of Kiage on 9:47.80.
Fijian Ashneel Abhinay Nano finished third in 9:57.08.
Yao dedicated the win to his son Tony.
In the women’s 5000m Solomon Islander Sharon Kikini Firisua broke the Pacific Games record set in 2003 by Tahitian Sophie Gardon (18:22.9) in Suva, Fiji, setting a new record of 18:20.09, slicing off two-seconds.
PNG’s Rama Kumilgo finished second with 18:23.83 and teammate Ongan Awa finished third to add bronze to PNG’s medal tally.