The NMI’s Tania Tan broke the Pacific Games record on her way to gold in the women’s 5000m.
TANIA Tan won two gold medals in the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara, the Solomon Islands, and set a new NMI national record in the half marathon event
Tan, 22, finished fourth in the half marathon on Saturday, clocking 1:29:11.
“I was surprised I broke the NMI record in the half marathon,” she said. “I’m a newbie when it comes to the half marathon distance and unfamiliar with how to race it yet. So I went into the race just to have fun and do my best, but I am honored to have finished the race by setting a new NMI record!”
Tan said the toughest challenge she faced in the Pacific Games was her first event, the 5,000m race. “I was the freshest for that race, but out of all the races, I was the most tired and sore after that race,” she added.
Tan is still in awe of what she has accomplished in Honiara.
“Never would I have imagined medaling in the Pacific Games, let alone winning gold. And twice? Wild. Setting a Pacific Games record, too? Insane. Six days, three races, two gold medals, two NMI national records, and one Pacific Games record.”
She added, “But running for your country, your island, and those people back home really motivates you. So here we are and I’m eternally grateful to have put our tiny NMI islands out there to show everyone what we are capable of.”
Bright future
Tan also commended the entire NMI delegation for their efforts and contributions. “I am so happy with how our NMI team did! The majority of our NMI team is so young; we have so many athletes still in high school! But everyone did their best and fought hard in each match, race, and event.”
Tan continued, “I think in the medal tally, we came in the top half which is amazing considered how young our team is and how small our islands are. I believe the future is bright for sports in the NMI and this is only the beginning. I’m so excited to see how we do in the following years to come!”
As for her overall experience in the Solomon Islands, Tan said: “It was amazing. The facilities, accommodation, and dining were so much better than I expected so it was a good experience!”
