
The President of the American Samoa Wrestling Federation and Secretary General of the American Samoa National Olympic Committee, Vaiala Ethan Lake, issued this report on the American Samoa Wrestling Team’s performance at the Pacific Mini Games in Palau:
American Samoa’s wrestling team has made history at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau — bringing home a record-breaking medal haul and inspiring an entire nation.”
The young squad captured a total of 19 medals—including 6 gold, 7 silver, and 6 bronze—the most medals ever won by American Samoa in a single sport at any Pacific Games, and the most golds since the 1997 Pacific Mini Games held in Pago Pago.
Even more remarkable, the entire team was made up of cadets and juniors, all between the ages of 15 and 19.
Leading the charge was Latana Sopa, who powered his way to a gold medal in the 90-kilo Beach Wrestling division. He also added a silver in freestyle, making him one of the top dual-style performers of the tournament. His performance helped set the tone for American Samoa’s dominance—both on the sand and on the mat.
Also making headlines was 15-year-old Galuvaea Lake, the youngest athlete in Team American Samoa’s entire delegation. He struck gold in the 80-kilo Oceania Cadet Beach Wrestling, turning heads across the region.
Antonio Miller and Zelan Falealii also brought home multiple medals, with Miller taking two golds, and Falealii winning three total, including gold in Greco-Roman’s heavyweight class.
Amo Loe added another gold in Beach Wrestling’s 90-plus kilo division, along with two silver medals in freestyle and Greco-Roman.
The wrestlers extended special thanks to their parents, families, and friends for their unconditional support throughout training and travel.
They also recognized Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula and Lieutenant Governor Pulu Ae Ae Jr. for their continued support of Team American Samoa. Special thanks to the Lt. Governor for greeting the athletes during their stop in Hawai‘i, praising their hard work, and personally rewarding them for their gold medal success.
All the teams, including the gold winning women’s softball and volleyball teams, are arriving on tonight’s Hawaiian Airlines flight.
The public is invited to gather at the airport to give the athletes a hero’s welcome.
Officials advise supporters to arrive early, wear red, white, and blue, and bring flags, signs, and cheers. This will be a chance for the community to celebrate together and recognize the efforts of its national athletes who proudly carried the American Samoa flag to victory.