Eighty students in Savai'i participated in triathlon events last Friday and Saturday with the events' organiser saying they were impressive.

Last Friday 47 students from the Itū o Tane College participated in the swim-run event held at Tanu Beach Fales and on Saturday 33 students registered in the cycling and running duathlon events in Fagamalo and Sato'alepai.

Pa'ulua Toma and Sio Fitu were two students, who according to the organiser excelled in their races with Toma winning both junior girls' swim-run and bike-run events, while Fitu took first in junior boys' swim-run. Another student, Iose Tominiko who was identified as the most outstanding swimmer, dominated the senior boys' swim run.

The Samoa Triathlon President, Seti Afoa said there were impressive performances in the cycle and bike-run events.

"Fitu had the fastest run time among the boys, while Salu Failauga recorded the fastest bike time. Among the girls, Pa’ulua Toma had the fastest run time and also the best bike time," said Afoa.

The principal of Itū o Tane College, Allie Faletolu, expressed his appreciation for Samoa Triathlon's collaboration with the school and said they are grateful to Samoa Triathlon for the opportunity.

"The students were told of what triathlon involved, a new sport to most, but that didn’t deter the student's enthusiasm to take part," Mr. Faletolu said. 

According to Afoa, there are many skilled young individuals who deserve the chance to participate in triathlon and showcase their athleticism. 

He spoke about the vision for the sport and S.T.F. plans to create new clubs throughout Samoa to increase participation and promote growth.

“We couldn’t have wished for a better launch of our sport in Savai’i than what we saw at Itū o Tane,” said Afoa.

He said the successful launch showcased the young athlete's talents and the growing popularity of triathlon in Samoa.

Here are the results of the Samoa Games triathlon:

Swim-Run:

Junior girls: 1. Pa’ulua Toma, 2. Piumautanaite Pepese, 3. Ruth Tasesa

Intermediate girls: 1. Retty Paulo, 2. Natasha Tuivanu, 3. Alofa Matatini

Senior girls: 1, Malepe Fagalele, 2. Natasha Fa’amoemoe, 3. Jill Molesi

Junior boys: 1, Usoali’i Fitu, 2. Kennedy, 3. Tavale Misi

Intermediate boys: Salu Failauga, 2. Futu Vaeloa, 3. Shannon Viutili

Senior boys: 1, Iose Tominiko, 2. Joseph Numia, 3. Tauailoto Tauailoto

Bike-Run:

Junior girls: 1, Pa’ulua Toma, 2. Salvation Easter, 3. Sirarotonga Fa’amasa

Senior girls: 1, Malepe Fagalele, 2. Sarah Paulo, 3. Natasha Fa’amoemoe

Junior boys: 1. Mika Leo, 2. Joseph Numia, 3. Andy Faleiva

Senior boys: 1, Salu Failauga, 2. Heti Manase, 3. Futu Vaoloa