“I’m so proud of Raymond and Elenoa for winning a bronze and silver medal.
Elenoa Vateitei won silver in the V1 500m open women’s final race and Raymond Rusivakula won bronze in the V1 500m open men’s final race in Palau on June 30, 2025. Photo: Team Fiji/Anushil Kumar
Team Fiji won three medals at the opening day of the Pacific Mini Games in Koror, Palau, yesterday.
Fiji Outrigger’s Raymond Rusivakula won a bronze medal in the VI 500m Open Men’s final with a time of 2:25.30.
Then an hour later, Elenoa Vateitei scooped the silver medal in the VI 500m Open Women’s final with a time of 2.38.59 to finish behind Anne Cairns of Samoa who clocked 2:36.29 to win the gold medal.
Then, it was the second bronze medal in the V12 mixed race.
Speaking to SUNsports, Fiji Va’a coach Stanley Ooms said the V12 was a tough race and they did well to get away with a bronze medal.
“I’m happy for all our athletes that got on to the podium,” he said.
“I’m so proud of Raymond and Elenoa for winning a bronze and silver medal.
“That’s all for today, we’ll enjoy the moment before we focus on tomorrow’s (today) race, which will be the 500m V6 men’s, women’s and mixed races.
“It’ll be another exciting day,” Ooms added.
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