Cook Islands middle distance champion Alex Beddoes has pulled out of the 2024 Oceania Athletics Championship in Suva, Fiji, due to an injury.

Despite being unable to compete, Beddoes assisted with coaching the Athletics Cook Islands team, who have so far won four gold, four silver and three bronze medals.

Athletics Cook Islands president Simone Fe’ao explained Beddoes unfortunately had to withdraw from the competition due to injury, “however he has been invaluable coaching our newer athletes during the competition”.

Despite missing out of the regional meet, Fe’ao said the 28-year-old remains focused on preparing for Olympic selection.

“This year they’ve tightened the selection criteria for 800 metres,” she said. “His selection is dependent on his overall ranking based on his results in the last 12 months. We hope to hear the outcome in the next couple of weeks.”

Fe’ao said the other young athletes competing in Fiji are not Olympic contenders. However, they were pleased with the results so far.

“Some consistent improvements from the athletes showing that hard work, training and effective coaching are making a difference.”

Elijah Poila claimed silver in the open discus event and David Lobb managed bronze in the Masters triple jump event.

In the masters hammer event, Junior Lupena won gold medal while Lobb claimed silver in the masters javelin event.

Ana Ellison managed bronze medal in the U18 Discus.

Sprinter Estelle Short, competing in the 100-metre race, set a new personal best time of 12.76 seconds.

Max Teuruaa racked up a credible 5766 points, securing sixth place in the decathlon.

Fe’ao said the championship has also been a great opportunity for Cook Islands athletes to connect with other Oceania athletes and learn off from senior athletes and coaches. 

She thanked Matt Wyatt (New Zealand coach), Portia Bing (NZ High Performance Athlete) and Shaka Sola (Solapower coach) for their input and support throughout the competition.

Athletic Cook Islands has thanked the support team, friends and family who make these opportunities possible.