Niue's PacGames medalists reflect on the challenges behind the success

Boxing sensation and winner of Niue's first gold at the Pacific Games opened up about the challenges of getting to the Solomon Islands.

Duken Holo Tutakitoa-Williams (Hakupu, Liku) went undefeated in the men's 86kg category at the games in Honiara, entering the final with a hoard of Niue supporters.

However, three weeks before leaving for the games police raided Tutakitoa-William's home around 5 AM, resulting in sponsors pulling out and his assets being frozen.

"[It was] my parents' house too so that was kind of embarrassing and upsetting for myself. Nothing was found at my house," Tutakitoa-Williams says.

"It was only because of the people I was affiliated with."

An epiphany stirred for the gold medalist which caused him to shift away from certain ties for his family.

Without access to funds, he and his Niue peers opted to fundraising, a successful venture as he fulfilled his dream of claiming his homeland’s first gold.

"Once they said that I was the winner I was really emotional. I had a lot of weight come off my shoulders," he says.

A moment of reflection as perseverance pays off for Tutakitoa-Williams. Photo/Trina Edwards

For the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti, Tutakitoa-Williams says it is time he moves on and lets the next generation shine.

"Let whoever comes through next. Let them carry the flag for Niue.

"I think my time as an amateur is done after this year. It's time to turn professional."

Niue's second medal winner, a bronze powerlifting champion with a single year of training

Bronze medal powerlifter Samuel Lafu Singh (Namukulu) says he is overjoyed with his difficult victory against tough competition.

Lafu Singh won third place in the powerlifting male 83kg category, claiming one of only two medals won by Niue - a victory that did not come easy.

"Solomon Islands gave me a good run for that third place. I took the medal by just two-and-a-half kilos," Lafu Singh says.

Samuel and his team bask in the after-glow of victory. Photo/Samuel Lafu Singh

During his last couple of lifts he says he reflected on all the work he and his team put in, reminding himself of his why.

"Not just pulling for myself but my family. I got the island of Niue behind me.

"Once I knew I had the medal I ran off the platform, just a strong feeling of joy, pride and happiness overcame me."

Lafu Singh says his journey started after moving to Niue last year to build his vagahau Niue (Niue language) knowledge, entering the Niue Bodybuilding Nationals.

"I wanted to go train at the gym but I didn't have a vehicle.

"By the end of the year I got myself some wheels and so I started training."

He then heard about the Pacific Games which sparked his interest in powerlifting for Niue, leading to his first year of dedicated training.

"I learned as much as I could about the sport and put in the work."

The bronze medalist says he and his partner will be relaxing in Queenstown over the holiday season, with plans to take his game up a notch next year.

"Any tagata Niue (Niue people) you can do it too!

“Lets get some more medals on the board!”

Watch the full interview with Duken and Samuel via PMN Niue's Facebook page.