Kiribati's medal haul of 18, including six gold medals, has exceeded the expectations of the team's Chef de Mission, Tekabara Rauranti.

In previous editions of the Pacific Games, Kiribati has only averaged up to two medals.

But Samoa 2019 is different as they have already collected more than 10 medals. 

The medals comprise six golds, nine silver and three bronze which he said was amazing and he is optimistic there are more to collect. 

“Right now this is the first time Kiribati team have this number of medals compared to the past few years experience we go back only two medals," he said.

"But for this year's Games we are surprised that we got more them 10 medals, and hope that we get more medals also the athletes are doing well."

On his impressions of Samoa, he said he enjoyed the experience on the first day of his arrival in the country and he thinks Kiribati is similar to Samoa in terms of culture and welcoming people. 

“The first time I arrive I think we share the same culture and that is why I love Samoa because it is like home Kiribati in how we treat visitors coming in our country,” he added. 

 Kaonkea Tauke, a 17-year-old Kiribati powerlifter, said he is enjoying his staying in Samoa with the local people welcoming him and the athletes accommodation at the Faleula Games Village comfortable. 

“I really enjoy staying here, how the people welcoming us also I enjoy everything of our stay at the accommodation,” he said. 

“We are so honorer to see the students of Samoa schools singing our national anthem and performing our local dance."