Athletics community in Solomon Islands and Oceania mourns passing of Jack Iroga
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The athletics community in Solomon Islands and across the Oceania region are mourning the sudden passing of prominent athlete, coach and technical official, Jack Iroga.
Information about his life and contribution to the sport was shared in a tribute posted on Oceania Athletics official Facebook page.
“Jack’s passing is an immense loss to athletics—not only in the Solomon Islands, but across the entire Oceania Region. As an athlete, coach, educator, and technical official, he made an invaluable contribution,” a statement from Oceania Athletics said.
“As a person, he was kind, warm, humble, and a joy to work with”, the statement from Oceania Athletics added.
Born in 1986, Iroga began his athletics journey by following in the footsteps of his father, James, and was among the first recipients of an Oceania Athletics High Performance Training Scholarship in 2003/2004 at the Millennium Institute in Auckland.
A talented and versatile competitor, he recorded notable achievements on the regional stage, winning silver in the high jump at the 2003 OAA Melanesian Championships. He later secured silver in the discus and bronze in the 110-metre hurdles at the 2005 championships, before claiming bronze in the 100 meters at the 2008 Oceania Championships.
During the 2006 Grand Prix series held in Ba, Sigatoka and Apia, he also finished second overall in the field events standings.
Iroga proudly represented Solomon Islands internationally, competing at the 2003 World Youth Championships, the 2004 World Junior Championships in Grosseto, and the 2006 and 2010 Commonwealth Games in the 100 meters.
Beyond the track, he contributed significantly to the development of athletics in the region.
He served as Chief Judge at the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara and was a member of the Jury of Appeal at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau.
In 2025, he also lectured at coaching and education programmes in Honiara and on the Gold Coast, mentoring and building the capacity of emerging coaches.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Jack’s family and to his athletics family. We will miss his smile, his gentle nature, and his genuine friendship,” the Oceania Athletics statement said.
Iroga is remembered as a dedicated sportsman, mentor and respected official whose legacy will endure across Oceania athletics.
Photo: Supplied
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Editor: [email protected]
