Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The performance by the three athletes who represented American Samoa during the 2022 Mini Games held in Saipan, CNMI last week was a great experience for all of them.

Runner Filomenaleonisa Iakopo made it to the finals of the 200m race and also competed in the 100 meter. She ran in the 200 against the Pacific Speed Queen, record holder and gold medalist Toea Wisil of Papua New Guinea who won gold.

Filomenaleonisa Iakopo ran for American Samoa in the 200m during the final day of the 2022 Mini Games in Saipan, CNMI last week. [courtesy photo]

Filomenaleonisa’s father, Stanley Iakopo who competed at the 100m and 200m did not make it to the final, but he did a great job representing American Samoa at the 2022 Mini Games.

Stanley Iakopo ran for American Samoa in the 100m at the 2022 Mini Games held in Saipan, CNMI last week. [courtesy photos]

Golf player, Emelie Chen also performed well throughout the tournament.

The elder Iakopo told Samoa News that Filomenaleonisa felt very honored running against the best sprinters in the Pacific. He said it was a great humbling experience and they can’t wait to grow from the 2022 Mini Games to another level.

The 2022 Mini Games closed this past Friday and Papua New Guinea topped the tally table after winning 80 medals including 33 golds, 28 silver and 19 bronze.

Samoa ended up in 8th place after winning 21 medals including 8 golds, 5 silver and 8 bronze.

Out of 20 Pacific Countries competing at the 2022 Mini Games, American Samoa and the Federated States of Micronesia did not win any medals.