Keep shooting. That’s the secret to Olympian Robert Elder’s first gold medal win for Fiji at the Pacific Games. He won gold in the men’s recurve 70m ranking round.

“Back home because it gets really cold, I normally train in the morning before I go to work,” he said.

“I open the window and aim at my target outside the house. Whenever there is time just shoot and keep your fitness up.”

Elder who lives in Australia arrived in Apia last Friday and has been unwell since then.

“I really had to push myself here today,” Elder said.

He was thankful for the support from his wife, Monika and six children for their constant support. Elder also acknowledged the financial support from FASANOC and Government for supporting archery.

Team manager Francis Dominiko said the shooters were all experienced players and they would have done well without him.

“They’ve put in the time, they’ve put in the effort and they’ve brought themselves here.”  He said the three medal wins was a good start for the 5-member team. As a minor sport, Dominiko is hopeful that the win will encourage more Fijians to participate in the sports.

OTHER WINNERS

Lisa Leota won silver in the women’s compound. Lisa said she woke up sick yesterday and has been on antibiotics all day.

“I was hoping to just get though so I was not expecting a medal out of it.”

Also. Fredrick Leota won bronze in the men’s compound. He expected a better performance and believes he slipped up in the last minute which cost him a silver.

Another gold medal is up for grabs in the eliminations where archers compete one on one with who they are ranked against.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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