Samoan Javelin Thrower Returns from LDS Mission to Win Gold Medal at Pacific Mini Games 2022
Pacific Mini Games Saipan, Northern Marianas. Samoan Javelin thrower Donny Tuimaseve has won gold in the men’s javelin 800g competition at the Pacific Mini Games with a throw of 69.05 meters ahead of sliver medalist from PNG, Lakona Gerega with a throw of 66.39 meters.
Tuimaseve, 23, has just returned to the sport he loves after taking time off to complete his mission with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Speaking to Samoa Global News, Donny Tuimaseve said the accomplishment means even more to him, especially after being away from the sport for three years.
Donny put Javelin aside in 2018 after the Commonwealth Games qualifiers in the Gold Coast, as he chose to serve a full time mission for his LDS Church in the Philippines.
“After my mission was the pandemic, so it feels really good to be back,” says the back-to-back Pacific Mini Games gold medalist.
Tuimaseve has been competing for Samoa since he was 17 years old and had also won gold in the 2017 Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu with a throw of 63.73 meters. When he competed in the qualification round of the Commonwealth Games at the Gold Coast in 2018, he had thrown 67.78 meters.
Donny thanked the National Athletics Federation, with special mention of his coach Ah Chong Sam Chong and the association president, Leiataualesa Taii Jerry Brunt.
Tuimaseve said he could not have done this without the tapuaiga of his families. His mother’s side and his father’s side, who are both very supportive of his pursuits.
“To Taleni Family and Tuimaseve Family, thank you for all the love and support.”
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