Allen Auga of Su’u National Secondary School (NSS) in Malaita has delivered a stunning late push in the boys’ senior 800m final, holding his nerve until the last lap before gliding past his opponents to clinch gold on Wednesday, July 2, at the National Stadium.
Roared on by a passionate crowd of Su’u supporters in the stands, Auga said his strategy was always to focus on the final lap.
“I’m so happy for this victory which I honestly didn’t expect. I give all glory and honor back to God for the strength, and to my school staff. Our strategy really worked today,” he said.
Competing in his first-ever athletics event, Auga admitted he came into the Games with little experience in the sport but said the victory has inspired him to pursue athletics more seriously.
“This is my first time competing in an athletics competition, especially in an event of this size. I’ll definitely continue focusing on athletics,” he said.
He only trained for three weeks before the Games, and with school exams as well, he said, he wasn’t fully prepared.
Looking ahead, the newly crowned 800m champion revealed that the win has fueled his ambition to one day represent the Solomon Islands at a higher level.
Auga clocked an impressive time of 2.054mins ahead of Nguvia’s George who claimed the silver medal. Lawrence of White River CHS settled for Bronze.
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
