Cook Islander sets stunning new coconut climbing record
Cook Islander Yaliloa Papitai set a new world record in the coconut tree climbing event at the Heiva Tu'aro Ma'ohi festival in Tahiti. The Cook Islands team dominated the podium, securing multiple medals in traditional sports.
Why it matters
This highlights the preservation and international recognition of traditional Pacific Island sports and cultural heritage.
Cook Islander Yaliloa Papitai has set a new record in the coconut tree climbing event at the prestigious Heiva Tu'aro Ma'ohi traditional sports festival in Tahiti over the weekend.
Papitai, 22, from Nassau island in the northern group of the Cook Islands, won the event in a record-breaking 4.88 seconds, setting a new competition benchmark.
The final podium saw the Cook Islands dominate: 1st place went to Yaliloa Papitai (Cook Islands), 2nd to Fiapa'i Ellio (Samoa), 3rd to Tokoa Elikana (Cook Islands), and 4th to Joshua Jim (Cook Islands).
Jim, who hails from Atiu, also secured the Cook Islands' second gold medal of the festival after defeating the defending Tahitian champion in four consecutive rounds of traditional wrestling.
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