The Pago Pago Aeto has won the 2025 Flag Day fautasi race. After reviewing video footage of the race, the Fautasi Race Committee determined that the Aeto crossed the finish line just an inch or so ahead of Aua’s Paepaeulupoo.
Paepaeulupoo took an early lead in the race, rowing head-to-head with Manulele Tausala-Low Rider in the opening minutes. However, the Aeto, rowing in the lane closest to the airport, steadily made up ground. As commentators Doug Tuigamala and Faafetai Loli noted, as the race approached the fuel dock, the Aeto was neck and neck with Paepaeulupoo, and this intense competition continued all the way to the finish line in front of ASCO Motors in Pago Pago. Drone footage showed that the Aeto’s bow crossed the finish line just ahead of the Paepaeulupoo by a hair’s breadth.
Manulele Tausala-Low Rider finished in third, followed by Matasaua in fourth, Lupelele in fifth, Iseula in sixth, and Taema in seventh.
The race started about 20 minutes late because the Committee had difficulty lining up the fautasi at the 3-mile starting line. At least three times, the committee moved the fautasi back in an effort to ensure a fair start.
Congratulations to all the fautasi, villages, supporters, and the Committee for an exciting set of preliminary heats and the championship race in celebration of American Samoa’s 125th Flag Day.
Thank you to Papalii Laulii Alofa for allowing our commentators to broadcast from the Kite Runner and to KVZK-TV Director Aaron Hall for his assistance.
