Cook Islands Middle Distance champion Alex Beddoes has a new personal best and has set a new Cook Islands record of 3:56.88 in the 1500 metres event at the Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Earlier this week, Beddoes was forced to withdraw from the 800-metre event due to a foodborne illness.

On Wednesday night, he competed in the 1500m event, after a slight recovery and won the bronze medal.

Athletics Cook Islands President Simone Fe’ao said the 1500m event was a challenging race for Beddoes as there were two unknowns from New Zealand competing.

She said Beddoes narrowly missed out on silver but still managed a new personal best and new Cook Islands record.

“Alex is happy to be able to get a medal for the Cook Islands.”

She said it had been great to have Beddoes contribute as a coach for Rupeni Mataitoga and as a senior team member for the newer athletes providing good insight and guidance. 

She said 30 mins after the 1500m event Beddoes and Mataitoga were joined by Max Teuruaa and Daniel Tolosa to compete in the 4x400m relay finishing 5th in a competitive field and also setting a new Cook Islands record of 3:28.74. 

Meanwhile, Mataitoga who also ran the 1500m final clocked a new personal best and executed his race as planned, says Fe’ao.

In javelin, Tatiana Sherwin won fourth place.

Fe’ao said Shwerin finally got her opportunity to compete after supporting her team mates all week.

“She was amazing getting a new PB of 37.55 and finished in 4th place   

Daniel Tolosa is said to have run a good 200m semi-finals but unfortunately didn’t make the final.

He completed his event with new personal bests in both the 100m and 200m events. “He will be one to watch in the future as he is on the rise,” says Fe’ao.

Tolosa has been selected to represent Cook Islands at the World Indoor Athletics Champs in March 2024 being held in Glasgow.

Also, Piritau Nga Jnr finished 5th in the long jump final.

Fe’ao said he was not quite able to repeat the distances from his heats the day before.

She said: “These games have been a good campaign for athletics. We are proud of the performances of our athletes and being able to test ourselves against the Pacific. “Reviewing the results and knowing what our athletes are capable of, we are well placed for more podium finishes next time around and as we work towards Oceania Champs in June 2024.”

Athletics Cook Islands acknowledges CISNOC management and the medical team in supporting team Cook Islands.