Samoa has clawed its way back into third place on the 2023 Pacific Games medal tally after collecting 10 more medals when the competition resumed on Monday.

Samoan bodybuilders collected a total of seven medals after competition resumed on Monday with Sauaso Rose Matautia winning two gold in the women's category and overall for bodybuilding. Lafaele Aukuso also claimed two gold medals and was named Mr. Pacific in the men's category. John Lemoa won a silver medal, Jeremy Vaepule claimed a bronze medal and Petelo Leota also won a bronze medal in bodybuilding. 

In athletics, Nu'uausala Tuilefano won gold in the women's shot put after throwing 17.34 meters while Donny Tuimaseve won a bronze medal for javelin setting a new national record of 69.84 meters. The other silver medal came from va'a or paddling. 

The total number of medals won by Samoan athletes in the Solomon Islands totalled 53. Out of the total number of medals, 27 are gold, 14 silver and 12 bronze medals. 

In an interview with Mr. Aukuso – who was named "Mr. Pacific" – he immediately credited God for guidance upon Team Samoa as they went about representing the island nation on the regional sporting stage. He also acknowledged the support and prayers of the people of Samoa. 

"This is for our country and our people," said the Samoan bodybuilder. 

The French territory New Caledonia continues to lead the medal tally with 63 gold, 41 silver, and 39 bronze for a total medal haul of 143 as of Tuesday 12 pm Solomon Islands Time in the second week of competition. 

Australia is second with a total of 59 medals comprising 29 gold, 19 silver and 11 bronze while Tahiti is in fourth place behind Samoa with 92 medals comprising 25 gold, 31 silver and 36 bronze.