Taniela Lutui (Tonga), Beniamina Fili (Samoa), Phillipe Jirard (New Caledonia) and Tony Williams (Cook Islands) pictured during the International Federation of Body Building’s South Pacifi c competition at the National Auditorium on Saturday. 18110435

Manase Afuhaamango from Tonga claimed the gold medal in the overall 100 kg category of the International Federation of Body Building’s South Pacific competition at the National Auditorium last Saturday.

He competed against John Lamoa (Samoa), the only other contestant in the class.

International Federation of Body Building IFBB Cook Islands president Joe Daniel says the IFBB South Pacific Oceania competition is up to international standards.

However, unfortunately, empty seats greeted competitors at the auditorium, with only a few present to witness the event.

The Cook Islands was represented by Tony Williams (Vaipae, Aitutaki) based in Auckland who competed in the Men’s Under 90 kg, and Tarita Iotua (Mangaia) also based in Auckland who won her category in the Women’s Physique Over 55 kg category.

The overall winners of the main categories, winning gold, were: Men’s Body Builder, Manase Afuhaamango (Tonga); Men’s Physique, Adam Feis, (Australia); Women’s Bikini, Temoemoe Faremiro (Tahiti); Women’s Physique, Glenda Jirard (New Caledonia).

IFBB representative Mark Stewart said the contestants were “in great shape”.

About 40 body building contenders from the Cook Islands, New Caledonia, Tahiti, Samoa, American Samoa, New Zealand, Australia and Tonga participated in the various class weights at the National Auditorium.

Next year’s IFBB South Pacific competition will be hosted in Tahiti.