Australia’s quest for regional glory continued to soar on Day Four of the Pacific Games, as Desleigh Owusu leapt to the top of the podium, while Mitchell Lightfoot and Imogen Breslin made it a golden double in the sprint hurdles.
Continuing Australia’s display of dominance, World Under 20 Championships representative and national champion Mitchell Lightfoot (Alex Stewart) set a new meet record when cruising to victory in 14.19 (-1.7).
“I’m really happy to get that gold today. I was hoping for a quicker time but the goal was to win gold, and there’s nothing better than crossing the line first in an environment like this one, when you’re wearing the Australian colours and at a major championships,” Lightfoot said.
“It’s back to the drawing board now. Back to base work before the season kicks off. I want to get stronger so I can make that team heading to Paris.”
Adding to the Australian triumphs, Imogen Breslin (Mick Zisti) was unbeatable in the Women’s 100m Hurdles. Going head-to-head with Papua New Guinea’s Adrine Monagi, Breslin came into her own after the 7th hurdle, increasing her speed and widening the gap to claim another gold medal for Australia in 13.81 (-0.8).
“It feels like I’m living a dream. I want to thank my coach Mick who I have been training with for ten years. I honestly couldn’t do it without him. Coaches don’t get the appreciation they deserve. Although I am have this gold medal, it should be around both of our necks.”
Emerging as a stand-out star in the Women’s triple jump, Desleigh Owusu (Andrew Murphy) claimed her maiden gold in the Australian colours when leaping to 13.23 to topple her Pacific Islander counterparts. Defeating her second-place getter Lyza Malres (Vanuatu) by 1.19m, the 22-year-old marked a significant step towards her goal of becoming Australia’s first female representative in the triple jump at an Olympic Games or World Championships.
Calab Law (Andrew Iselin) continued his unbeaten run at the Pacific Games, crossing the line first in 21.72 (0.0), advancing as the fastest contender for the Men’s 200m final.
The final day of the Australian athletics action at the Pacific Games begins tomorrow at 11am and can be viewed live and free on SBS Viceland and SBS On Demand.
By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 1/12/2023
