42 year old wins ahead of 14 year old in the 10, 000m
After two false starts which had the crowd in fits of laughter, the 10, 000 metre women's race commenced on Day 3 of the Athletics at Apia Park.
42 year old Tahitian woman, Sophie Gardon assumed command of this exhausting event which saw competitors run 25 laps of Apia Park. She fought off an early challenge from her much younger rival, 14 year old Papua New Gunean, Poro Gahekave to stride away from any competition.
She never looked in doubt of being able to finish, having run hard to assert her authority over the race. She was smiling broadly as she crossed the finish line with a time of 38:48.45 and unbelievably, looked like she could have run another 25 laps. Instead, she did one, carrying the Tahitian flag and beaming from ear to ear.
Gardon, who was a dual gold medallist in Suva at the last South Pacific Games, now has a gold to add to the silver she won on Monday night when she was beaten by the inspirational young barefoot Fijian in the 5000 metre race. Gahekave also ran in the race on Monday night and will no doubt be happy to have added a silver medal from her performance tonight to the bronze she won on Monday.
Crossing the line in third place was Solomon Islander Florence Tina Toada who was an unusual sight on the track, running barefoot with her thick long hair flowing in the breeze.
Emma Malcolm
