Beatrice Faumuina

Beatrice Faumuina was born on October 23rd, 1974

Occupation: Discus Thrower

Nationality: New Zealand

Notable Team: New Zealand Olympic Team

Full Name: Beatrice Faumuina

Born: October 23, 1974

Profession: Athlete

Notable Awards: Commonwealth Games Gold Medal

Height: 5 ft 10 in

A New Zealand athlete who won gold at the 1997 World Championships and set multiple national records in the discus throw, earning her a legendary status in the sport.

Written by:

Jack Thompson

Beatrice Faumuina: The Discus Thrower Turned Diplomat

Beatrice Faumuina is a renowned New Zealand discus thrower, who catapulted to fame with her gold medal win at the 1997 World Championships in Athletics. This achievement marked the beginning of a storied career, which would see her represent New Zealand in four Summer Olympics and bring honor to her country.

Career Highlights

Gold medallist at the 1997 World Championships in Athletics
Represented New Zealand in four Summer Olympics (2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012)
Won the discus event at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, featured on a stamp from Samoa
Placed 7th in the discus at the 2004 Summer Olympics with a throw of 64.45 metres
Finished 4th at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games

Awards and Honors

Appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2005 Queen's Birthday Honours, for services to athletics
Nominated as Goodwill Ambassador of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in 2005

Post-Athletic Career

After retiring from professional athletics, Faumuina has gone on to excel in other fields. She is currently New Zealand's Trade Commissioner and Consul General in New York. Additionally, she has worked as a presenter on the Television New Zealand Pacific Islands current events programme, Tagata Pasifika, and appeared on the New Zealand version of Dancing with the Stars in 2006, where she finished second.

Personal Life

Faumuina was coached by Les Mills, a discus gold medallist at the 1966 Commonwealth Games, early in her career. She attended Lynfield College and has been based in Australia and New Zealand throughout her athletic career.

Legacy

Beatrice Faumuina's achievements on the track have inspired a generation of New Zealand athletes, and her dedication to her craft has earned her a place among the country's sporting elite. Her transition to a successful career in diplomacy and media is a testament to her versatility and passion for making a difference.

Timeline

1974

Born in New Zealand

Beatrice Faumuina was born on December 23, 1974, in Auckland, New Zealand. She would go on to become a discus thrower.

1994

Debuts at Commonwealth Games

Faumuina debuted at the Commonwealth Games, competing in the discus throw event.

2000

Wins Silver at Commonwealth Games

Faumuina won the silver medal at the Commonwealth Games, solidifying her status as a top athlete.

2002

Wins Gold at Commonwealth Games

Faumuina won the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, becoming the first New Zealander to do so.

2008

Competes at Beijing Olympics

Faumuina competed at the Beijing Olympics, finishing in 10th place in the discus throw event.

Beatrice Faumuina Quiz

What event did Beatrice Faumuina win gold in at the 1997 World Championships?

Score: 0/5

FAQ

What is Beatrice Faumuinas athletic specialty?

Beatrice Faumuina is a discus thrower, having competed at several international events including the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.

What is Beatrice Faumuinas personal best throw?

Beatrice Faumuinas personal best throw is 64.62 meters, which she achieved at the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

Did Beatrice Faumuina win any Olympic medals?

No, Beatrice Faumuina did not win any Olympic medals, but she did reach the final at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics.

What teams did Beatrice Faumuina represent?

Beatrice Faumuina represented New Zealand at several international events, including the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships.

Is Beatrice Faumuina still active in athletics?

No, Beatrice Faumuina has retired from athletics and now works as a coach and mentor for young athletes.

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