Alex throws down mark

Alex Fafeita surprised even himself with the stunning results he achieved at the Coupe Des Lancer international throwing meet in Noumea, New Caledonia last weekend.

The Wairarapa College 17-year-old was the top points scorer in the men's under-20 grade in a competition which involved the shot put, discus, javelin and hammer throw all on the one day.

Even better than that was Fafeita's reward for throwing new personal bests in each event, using objects heavier than he would normally use.

For such a feat, the youngster was awarded a handsome carved wooden mask for the best overall performance of the meeting.

Fafeita concedes he went to Noumea as part of a 15-strong squad organised by his coach, Auckland-based Frenchman Didier Poppe, without lofty expectations.

"I didn't really know what to expect so I was just aiming to do the best I could without actually worrying too much about results," Fafeita said.

"I was rapt the way things panned out, it couldn't have been better."

It could be said the order of competition didn't exactly suit Fafeita either as his specialist event, the hammer throw, was last of the four, and he admits fatigue was a major concern, as well as the torrential rain which fell throughout the day.

But after throwing PBs of 14.73m (shot put), 47.11m (discus) and 40.4m (javelin), his 58m hammer throw comfortably fell into that category as well.

"I felt really good all the way through, I didn't feel tired at all," Fafeita said.

"The rain was a bit of a nuisance but the temperatures were very warm ... it was still easy to work up a good sweat!"

It was back in January when Fafeita became part of the Poppe "stable" of throwers which include Olympic champion Valerie Adams and world junior champion Jacko Gill, and he has been delighted with the progress made since that time.

Fafeita visits Auckland as often as he can but most of the communication with Poppe comes via the internet and it's a system which works well.

"He [Poppe] would be by far the best coach I have ever had, he is just so knowledgeable about all the throws, he's amazing."

Fafeita's next major assignment is the Oceania regional track and field championships in Cairns at the end of next month.

He is the only Wairarapa athlete amongst the Kiwis selected to compete and will be donning the Oceania colours in three events - the hammer throw, shot put and discus.

Fafeita, is the defending age-group champion in the hammer throw and is hoping to win that title once again.