Nu’u Muliaga Claims Samoa’s First Medal in IVF World Distance Championships

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 16 AUGUST 2023: Young Nu’u Muliaga has claimed a bronze as the first medal for Samoa in the 3^rd International Va’a Federation (IVF) World Distance Championship in its third day of competition in Samoa.

Muliaga went up against the best from New Zealand, Tahiti, Australia and others from around the world.

“It was tough and I knew I was up against the best but I did my best,” she told Talamua.

Asked if she was happy with third place, she said “yes, it’s a step further for me.”

Muliaga and family reside in New Zealand but chose to represent Samoa in this event.

Today is the third day of competition which 27 countries are competing in, and although there were minor issues during the competition such as the strong current and a canoe rowing into a buoy, it did not hinder the spirit of the competitors.

Muliaga received her medal at the prize giving at the Friendship Park where the Minister for Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) Toeolesulusulu Cedric Shuster and President of the Samoa Outrigger Canoe Association, Tuatagaloa Joe Annandale presided over the presentation of medals.

V6 Open Men champions Hawaii with Silver medalists United States & Bronze Medalists Tahiti.

MEDAL AWARDS PRESENTATION

V6 Junior Men 16
Gold – Tahiti
Silver – New Zealand
Bronze – Hawaii

V6 Master Women 50
Gold – Australia
Silver – United States of America
Bronze – Canada

V1 Open Women
Gold – France
Silver – New Zealand
Bronze – Fiji

V6 Master Women 50 Gold Medallists, Australia receive their medals from the Minister of Tourism, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster.

V6 Masters Men 40
Gold – New Zealand
Silver – Brazil
Bronze – Chile

V1 Junior 19 Women
Gold – Tahiti
Silver – New Zealand
Bronze – Samoa

V6 Masters Men 60
Gold – Australia
Silver – Hawai’i
Bronze – Canada

DAY 2 RACE

V6 Master Men 50
Gold – Hawai’i
Silver – United States of America
Bronze – Tahiti

V1 Open Men
Gold – New Zealand
Silver – New Caledonia
Bronze – Brazil