“It is a great honour and privilege to be given an opportunity to serve on the Oceania Athletics Association Council, and I am sincerely thankful for the votes and confidence my colleagues have placed in me. Athletics has been a part of my life since I was a child, and I have seen the sport from different perspectives as both athlete and administrator. I look forward to the new role and helping advance the sport of athletics in the Oceania region.”Derek Mandell

Derek, the Two-time Olympian, current Guam Track and Field President, and part of a “Mandell” legacy of athletics, offers a wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm and willingness to learn from existing council members. His broad scope of skills also includes co-owning a business. In 2015, alongside his brother and running partner, Derek founded Run Guam – a local athletic apparel company Inspired by their island paradise home.

To learn more about Derek, watch his interview below.

In late 2019, Robin Sapong (Northern Marianas) was elected as Area President, leaving a general vacancy on the Council. Derek will join current council members; Matt Mahon (Australia), Joseph Rodan (Fiji), Titaua Juventin (French Polynesia), Trevor Spittle (New Zealand), and Tony Green (Papua New Guinea).