A son of Samoa and a former Olympian, Tuva'a Clifton is the latest to claim a gold for Samoa at the XVII Pacific Games currently underway in the Solomon Islands.

The 26-year-old was first in the event winning gold in the Kayak K1 500m in the men's category for Va'a, the first gold medal for the Va'a team while two silver medals were also won by female paddler, Anne Cairns in the K1 Singles, and in the K2 Doubles by Mrs. Cairns and Jayden Leota.

Samoa also proved itself on the tracks as Johnny Key claimed bronze in the men's 100 meters race in athletics.

"I don't know how to express how I feel right now but I do feel very happy because this is the first time ever I have won a medal at the Pacific Games," Mr. Key said.

"But the glory goes back to the Heavenly Father who provides us with the strength to carry out the talent."

Mr. Key also thanked Samoa, supporters, his loved ones, team and coach as well as everyone who participated in his journey. 

Despite scooping four more medals including one gold for Samoa in the latest update, Tahiti managed to once again come back strong to steal the third position from Samoa after winning eight gold medals on the overall medal tally.

Prior to that, bodybuilder Lafaele Aukuso also won two golds for the men's category and overall and was also given the title 'Mr. Pacific' after walking away with the competition.

Sauaso Rosie Samoa also won two gold medals in the women's category and overall in the bodybuilding for Samoa.

Eteline Tira'a also won gold in the powerlifting for the female category - 69kg while Nuuausala Tuilefano also won gold for the women's shot put throwing 17.34m. 

Meanwhile, New Caledonia remains dominant on the medal tally with 67 gold medals, 41 silver, 42 bronze,  150 in total, Australia is in second place having 37 gold, 20 silver, eight bronze with 65 medals in total.

Tahiti is in third place in the updated tally with 33 gold, 37 silver and 41 bronze with a total medal haul of 111.

Samoa has  28 gold medals, 16 silver and 13 bronze with 57 medals in total.