Samoan sprinter Johnny Malua says he is proud to represent his country after claiming two gold medals at the Polynesian Championship 2026 held in Auckland, New Zealand last week.

The 22-year-old athlete, from the villages of Vaitoloa and Lepea, was among about 100 Pacific athletes competing at the Trusts Arena from 5 to 8 March, representing Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Niue, American Samoa, and French Polynesia.

Speaking in an interview with the Samoa Observer, Malua reflected on the achievement.

“I was beyond proud of what I’ve achieved, and I’m proud of my team. Without God, we wouldn’t get the results that we got last week at the games. I’m proud to represent my country and my Samoan people at this international level. Big thanks to the people who came to support our Team Samoa last week; it means a lot to my people back home and to me. Thanks for believing in my team and me, thank you,” he said.

Malua said he did not come close to his personal best during the competition.

Despite that, he secured two gold medals for Samoa.

“I won two medals at this competition, which is our men’s 4x100m relay, where we claimed the gold medal and my 100m. So two gold medals.”

Malua won the Polynesian 100 metres title, crossing the line in 10.88 seconds.

He said his focus has already shifted to upcoming competitions.

“I’m back to training at the moment and looking forward to the Oceania Championships in Darwin, Australia.”

He added that his main target is to improve his personal best ahead of a major international event.

“The main goal is to lower my personal best at any upcoming competition towards the Commonwealth Games this year.”

Malua was one of several Samoan athletes who performed strongly during the championships.

Samoan athlete Symone Tafuna'i also won the Polynesian 100 metres title, becoming the first Polynesian woman 100m champion in over 10 years.

Meanwhile, Alex Rose claimed gold in the men’s discus at the championships and the New Zealand Track and Field Nationals in Auckland, opening his season with a throw of 62.77 metres. The World Championships bronze medallist returned to competition as Samoa’s flag bearer and leading discus thrower.

Another Samoan competitor, Falatunatuna Jr Solomona, also featured in the men’s 100 metres event. He got a silver medal.

In a statement, Athletics Samoa Inc. said the team concluded the week-long training camp and competition on a high note following their participation in both the Polynesian Championships and the New Zealand Track and Field Nationals.

The organisation thanked supporters in New Zealand and Samoa for their assistance, including families and friends who contributed to fundraising efforts.

Officials also acknowledged the contribution of coaches and management, including national head coach Sam Chong, assistant coaches Gabrielle Apelu and Tuaffy Tuigamala, as well as president Leiataualesā Jerry Brunt and secretary Denks Soonalole-Sam Chong.

Questions were also sent to the president of the athletics body, Leiataualesā J Jerry Brunt, but were not answered as of press time.

Team Samoa is now preparing for the next championship in Darwin, Australia.