Pualele Outrigger Canoe Club (OCC) delivered a standout performance at the Waitui International Regatta in Fiji, returning to the podium with a historic victory in the Masters division.

The Pualele Masters Men led the campaign, winning gold in the V6 Marathon and silver medals in both the 500-metre sprint and 1000-metre turns. The victory is especially significant as the last Waitui International was held 14 years ago, where Pualele’s Masters Men also won gold in the marathon.

Marie-Louise Talouli, racing for both Pualele OCC and Takia OCC, dominated the events. She won three gold medals with Takia in the V6 Marathon, 500m, and 1000m events, and claimed gold in the V1 Marathon and silver in the V1 500m sprint for Pualele.

“This achievement means so much to me. It reflects all the quiet, hard work, early mornings, and sacrifices behind the scenes,” Talouli said. “More than the medals, it’s about the journey and the people around me. I’m grateful to be part of such a strong and fun team.”

Pualele OCC President Maxine Sausi-Mailo praised the team’s unity and resilience. “Bringing home the Masters Marathon gold after 14 years is really special. It’s about representing Samoa with pride and growing our sport for our people,” she said.

Another Samoan paddler, Jayde Leota of Nafanua OCC, won the V1 16km marathon.

Pualele head coach Faumuina Anthony Talouli highlighted the team’s preparation. “Our Masters lads trained hard over the last ten weeks. Marie-Louise also performed exceptionally, bringing home four golds and a silver. We couldn’t have done it without our support crew of wives and children,” he said.

The Waitui International Regatta is one of Fiji’s premier paddling events, drawing clubs from across the Pacific to compete and celebrate culture and community.