20 Track and Field Athletes Selected for 2023 Pacific Games

Twenty track and field athletes and eight judokas have been selected by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) to represent Australia at the Solomon Islands 2023 Pacific Games in November.

From Tokyo Olympians to athletes at their first international multisport event, the 28 athletes announced today make up more than a third of the expected 80-strong Australian team for the Solomons.

In the first time Australians have competed in Judo at the Pacific Games, Anneliese Fielder, Ryley Rametta, Saya Middleton, Alannah Joyce, Jordon Greenbank, Ryan Koenig, Carstens Beyers and Danny Vojnikovich will represent Australia.

The 20 track and field athletes features 10 women and 10 men with a wealth of international experience, including Tokyo Olympic runner Ellie Beer and World Athletics Under 20 Championship medallist Calab Law.

Chef de Mission for the Australian Team at the Pacific Games Kenny Wallace congratulated the athletes.

“I’m thrilled to announce 28 athletes to represent Australia in Judo and Athletics at the Pacific Games, taking our selected team size to 53 of an expected 80-strong Australian team,” Mr Wallace said.

“Each of the 28 athletes announced today has the opportunity to not only represent our country, but to contribute to and benefit from a positive multisport Australian team environment in Honiara.

“With international ranking points on the line, Solomons 2023 is an important high performance event for Australian athletes, as well as a fantastic opportunity to connect with our Pacific neighbours.

“Congratulations on your selection to the team. I look forward to seeing you represent your sport, coaches, family and supporters proudly at the Pacific Games.

Tokyo Olympic 400m runner Ellie Beer said she was seeking great outcomes on and off the track at the Pacific Games.

“Being able to race in the green and gold again will feel honestly amazing,” Beer said. “I always feel so privileged to represent my country and to do it in Solomon Islands alongside teammates - Winning!

“Honestly, I want to run super-fast in the Solomon Islands. My big goal is the Paris Olympics, wanting to relive my childhood dream once again and to do so I have to run some fast times. I’m hoping for a personal best at the Pacific Games, as well as having fun with teammates.”

Seventeen-year-old Carstens Beyers was thrilled to be selected for the Pacific Games team.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to represent Australia at this multi-sport international event,” Beyers said.

“I want to compete in the spirit of our sport. I look forward to gaining experience and competing against and meeting people from our Pacific neighbours.”

Athlete bios available here.

Australia will send a team of around 80 athletes across the sports of Archery, Athletics, Boxing, Beach Volleyball, Judo, Sailing, Taekwondo and Weightlifting. The 2023 Pacific Games offer a direct Paris 2024 qualification opportunity for boxers and the mixed archery team, as well as world ranking points vital for qualification and international experience across other sports.

The Pacific Games will see more than 5000 athletes and officials from 24 nations compete across 24 sports in Solomon Islands capital Honiara from 19 November to 2 December.

Solomons 2023 is the third time Australia has participated after first being invited to compete in several sports at Port Moresby 2015.

Australian Track and Field Athletes Selected for Solomon Islands 2023 Pacific Games

By Australian Olympic Committee
Posted: 14/9/2023