Pacific WINS

Mary-Estelle Kapalu Mahuk is a household name in Vanuatu, known as the country's ‘Golden Mama.'She was a champion in the 400 metres and 400 hurdles, competing in three Olympics, four World Championships and winning eight Pacific Games gold medals.Georgilla Worwor is a sports journalist from Vanuatu - she spoke to Mary-Estelle about her journey from a small island called Tanna, to creating a legacy as one of Vanuatu's most successful athletes.This story was produced for Women in News and Sport (WINS), run by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's International Development Unit and funded by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the Team Up program.

Ryan Pierse ​is a renowned Australian sports photographer with Getty Images, responsible for capturing many iconic moments.He's shared what it takes to get the perfect shot, with Annesha Ghosh - a sports journalist from India.This story was produced for Women in News and Sport (WINS), run by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's International Development Unit and funded by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the Team Up program.

Coaching is still very much a man's domain across the world, but it's even more challenging for women to break through in India.Prarthana Hazarika is a sports journalist from India, and she has produced this feature on local athletics coach Mani Kanchan and her quest to see more women at the top. She also spoke to male coach Nabajit Mala kar.This story was produced for Women in News and Sport (WINS), run by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's International Development Unit and funded by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the Team Up program.

This year's Caribbean Premier League saw the introduction of a new piece of sports technology, that could be a game changer for cricket.The 'smart ball' was developed by Sportcor and Kookaburra, and it's hoped it could help players from the grassroots through to the elite level.Niharika Raina is a sports journalist from India and she spoke to Sportcor Chairman, and former Australian paceman Michael Kasprowicz, about the invention. But what does the cricket community think it can contribute to the game? Former West Indies cricketer turned commentator Ian Bishop gives his view.This story was produced for Women in News and Sport (WINS), run by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's International Development Unit and funded by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the Team Up program.

"Pursuing the Olympic dream” tells the stories of how female athletes across Asia and the Pacific are handling the disruption caused by the 2020 coronavirus pandemic to their sports.In this episode Beatrice Go finds out what it took for sprinter Kristina Knott to represent the Philippines. It was especially difficult considering Kristina grew up in the USA.This podcast supports women in the Pacific and Asia to become sports journalists. It is part of the Women in News and Sport Program (WINS) run by Australian Broadcasting Corporation's International Development team and is supported by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

"Pursuing the Olympic dream” tells the stories of how female athletes across Asia and the Pacific are handling the disruption caused by the 2020 coronavirus pandemic to their sports.In Papua New Guinea, journalist Dorcas Tindri interviews a young track and field athlete whose career took a detour after the birth of her child. This podcast supports women in the Pacific and Asia to become sports journalists. It is part of the Women in News and Sport Program (WINS) run by Australian Broadcasting Corporation's International Development team and is supported by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

"Pursuing the Olympic dream” tells the stories of how female athletes across Asia and the Pacific are handling the disruption caused by the 2020 coronavirus pandemic to their sports.For Filipino boxing star Irish Magno the pandemic was just another hurdle to jump on her way to the Olympic dream. Ceej Tantengco from the “Go Hard Girls” podcast shares her story. This podcast supports women in the Pacific and Asia to become sports journalists. It is part of the Women in News and Sport Program (WINS) run by Australian Broadcasting Corporation's International Development team and is supported by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

"Pursuing the Olympic dream” tells the stories of how female athletes across Asia and the Pacific are handling the disruption caused by the 2020 coronavirus pandemic to their sports.Even in Fiji where Rugby spirit runs deep there are still stereotypes to be broken about female players. Karalaini Tavi spoke to the captain of the nation’s women’s rugby team who describes her experience, including how the team is coping while training through the pandemic. She also chatted to the Fijiana 7s Head Coach. This podcast supports women in the Pacific and Asia to become sports journalists. It is part of the Women in News and Sport Program (WINS) run by Australian Broadcasting Corporation's International Development team and is supported by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

"Pursuing the Olympic dream” tells the stories of how female athletes across Asia and the Pacific are handling the disruption caused by the 2020 coronavirus pandemic to their sports.Lovlina Borgohain wants to be the first female athlete to represent her region in India at the next Olympics. Sports broadcaster Prarthana Hazarika chronicles Lovlina’s Olympic boxing dream, and why other young female athletes should not hesitate when deciding to compete. For more, look out for the “Breaking Barriers”podcast. This podcast supports women in the Pacific and Asia to become sports journalists. It is part of the Women in News and Sport Program (WINS) run by Australian Broadcasting Corporation's International Development team and is supported by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

"Pursuing the Olympic dream” tells the stories of how female athletes across Asia and the Pacific are handling the disruption caused by the 2020 coronavirus pandemic to their sports.The role of Chef de Mission is a prestigious role and to look after a national Olympic team can be the highlight of anyone’s career.Gabrielle Apelu speaks with Samoa’s Olympic team leader Nynette Sass.This podcast supports women in the Pacific and Asia to become sports journalists. It is part of the Women in News and Sport Program (WINS) run by Australian Broadcasting Corporation's International Development team and is supported by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

"Pursuing the Olympic Dream” tells the stories of how female athletes across Asia and the Pacific are handling the disruption caused by the 2020 coronavirus pandemic to their sports.Since the 2000 Olympics, Indonesia has enjoyed success in women’s weightlifting.In this episode, journalist Aprelia Soewarto speaks to the Indonesian Team Manager. They discuss Indonesia’s ambitious goals for Tokyo and the unique challenges facing female weightlifters – before, during and after they compete. For more from Aprelia see the Skor Indonesia podcast. This podcast supports women in the Pacific and Asia to become sports journalists. It is part of the Women in News and Sport Program (WINS) run by Australian Broadcasting Corporation's International Development team and is supported by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

"Pursuing the Olympic Dream” tells the stories of how female athletes across Asia and the Pacific are handling the disruption caused by the 2020 coronavirus pandemic to their sports.Vanuatu is one of the few COVID-19 free nations but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t caused major disruption for the country’s world class athletes. Adele Willie speaks with one of the local track and field all rounders heading to the Paralympics. This podcast supports women in the Pacific and Asia to become sports journalists. It is part of the Women in News and Sport Program (WINS) run by Australian Broadcasting Corporation's International Development team and is supported by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

"Pursuing the Olympic Dream” tells the stories of how female athletes across Asia and the Pacific are handling the disruption caused by the 2020 coronavirus pandemic to their sports.It can take a year for an athlete to recover from an ACL injury - after three consecutive ACL injuries you’d probably want to give up. That’s where Filipina volleyball star Kat Tolentino found herself.Danine Cruz leads an in-depth chat with Kat about how the injuries happened and what happened next. This podcast supports women in the Pacific and Asia to become sports journalists. It is part of the Women in News and Sport Program (WINS) run by Australian Broadcasting Corporation's International Development team and is supported by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Pacific WINS has been shining a spotlight on seven remarkable female athletes from across the Pacific. The Pacific Games have now finished in Apia, Samoa - so how did they go? Josephine Navula, one of the journalists who helped make the Pacific WINS podcast, shares the achievements of the athletes.

Papua New Guinea’s Toea Wisil is ready to defend her Pacific Games sprints title. It was not always smooth-sailing for the Jiwaka woman. Two years ago, the sprint queen was outclassed in the 200m by Cook Islands Patricia Taea at the Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu. Then she had to sit out the Commonwealth Games last year. But she’s on the comeback trail and is determined to maintain her title at the Pacific Games.

Ana Kaloucava is one of the fastest sprinters in Fiji. At 15 she stunned Fijians with her speed and flexibility and she quickly became one of the top athletes in the Island nation. Now at 26, Ana Kaloucava is still racing to get her first ever gold medal in the Pacific Games.

Ellie Enock thought all her dreams were crushed after being in a catastrophic car accident nine years ago. Discovering sport has changed her life and Ellie is now one of Vanuatu’s best shot putters and javelin throwers.

One of Papua New Guinea’s top athletes is Annie ToPal. The 23-year-old is based in the US where she trains, but is back in the Pacific to compete in three separate events at the Pacific Games. She surprised everyone at the 2015 Games to win bronze in the triple jump, but she’s hoping the medal she walks away with in 2019 is gold.

Gabriel Apelu is no stranger to international competition. She is representing Samoa in two sports in the Pacific Games. As a coach and player in the male dominated rugby arena, Gabriel is using the event as a platform to push for gender equality.

In Tonga taekwondo is a male dominated sport but 19-year-old Malia Paseka is aiming to change that. She wants to prove to her family, team, and country at her first Pacific Games that women can be taekwondo champions too. Overcoming many challenges, the sport has positively impacted her life and turned her into one of Tonga's top female athletes.

18-year-old Feagaiga Stowers is a household name in Samoa. She is a weightlifting gold medalist both in the Commonwealth and Junior World Championships and she is determined to win gold in front of her home crowd at the Pacific Games.

Pacific WINS tells the stories of seven remarkable female athletes from the Pacific as they chase their dream of becoming champions at the Pacific Games in Samoa. It’s a show made by a group of female sports journalists from PNG, Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa as they bring you their stories. Subscribe now so you’re the first to hear Pacific WINS on July 5.