Fiji rowers win Silver medals despite short preparation time

The quick turnaround was no obstacle for the Fiji women’s va’a team, who secured two more medals for their country at the Pacific Mini Games in Palau.

Paddler Elenoa Vateiti earned the first silver medal in an exciting V1 500-metre race, while the V6 500m team achieved the other silver.

Despite having only six months of training together - a relatively short time for athletes preparing for competitions - the Fiji women’s Va’a team still managed to secure a podium finish.

Fiji Va’a manager Makayla Halter says the silverware is a testament to the athletes’ craft and dedication, resulting in a well-deserved achievement.

“The silver medal wasn’t by mistake, the women are very dedicated, and I guess it shows their dedication is what resulted in their win today,” she says.

Although it was a quiet day for the men’s Va’a team, Halter shed light on the camaraderie between the two teams.

Fiji paddler Elenoa Vateiti shows off her silver medal. Photo/Facebook/Team Fiji

“I am sure the women will make fun of the men at some point today, but our team is very supportive of each other. It shows their sisterhood and bond,” she says.

Both teams will have another crack at podium placings as the 16km and 24km Marathon races are set for Thursday and Friday at the Meyuns Ramp.

Sitting second behind Tahiti, the two silvers bring Fiji’s current medal count to 17. Two golds from Swimming, then eight silvers and seven Bronze medals across Archery, Swimming, and Va’a.

The current medal standings see Tahiti leading with 41 medals, Fiji sitting in second with 18, and Palau in third with 13.

Source/Pacific Mini Games 2025/Facebook