12 Jul 2019

Pacific Games: New Caledonia swims on as NZ, Cooks join goldrush

11:20 am on 12 July 2019

New Caledonia remains the team to beat after four days of competition at the Pacific Games.

New Caledonia performing strong at the pool

New Caledonia performing strong at the pool Photo: Pacific Games Service

The French territory collected another six gold medals on Thursday to bring their total haul to 21, more than double their nearest competitors.

New Caledonia continues to lead the way in the pool, winning another four events last night at the Samoa Aquatic Centre.

Fiji have leapfrogged Tahiti into second overall after winning three gold medals in swimming to take their overall tally to 10 gold, nine silver and 14 bronze.

New Caledonia win gold in squash

New Caledonia win gold in squash Photo: Pacific Games Service

The Tahitians remained static on ten gold medals, one clear of Australia and Samoa, who won won three gold medals apiece in weightlifting.

Nauru and Kiribati also added to their gold medal hauls at the Faleata Gym, while Kanah Andrews-Nahu won New Zealand's first gold medals of the Pacific Games in the women's 76kg division.

Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Nauru and Kiribati all won gold medals on day four of weightlifting.

Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Nauru and Kiribati all won gold medals on day four of weightlifting. Photo: Pacific Games Service

Wesley Roberts won the Cook Islands' first gold medal in the men's 200m freestyle, while Tiali Scanian won silver in the women's 50m breaststroke to earn American Samoa's first entry on the medal table.

The games continue today with rugby sevens kicking off at Marist Saint Josephs Sports Stadium, while the archery and beach volleyball competitions come to a close.

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Photo: Pacific Games Service