Seventeen-year-old Penisimani Sakalia has become the first person in Tonga to receive a prosthetic running blade, opening new possibilities for para athletics and inclusive sport in the Kingdom.

The Ma’ufanga teenager, a right below-knee amputee and long-term prosthetic user supported through the Rehabilitation Department at Vaiola Hospital, received access to two specialist running prostheses through a 60-day trial arranged with Össur Australia.

Penisimani Sakalia trains with his new prosthetic running blade at Teufaiva sports stadium. Image: Ministry of Health

The initiative began after Prosthetist Orthotist Martha Schaumkel identified Penisimani’s athletic potential during the Tonga Intercollege Sports 2026 competition. Working with the Tonga Paralympics Committee, she helped secure the trial of the Össur Flex-Run and Össur Exceed running blades.

The milestone comes after Penisimani represented Tonga at the 2026 Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin, Australia, where he competed in para sprint events without the benefit of a specialised running blade. His participation was part of a growing pathway for Tongan para athletes competing on the regional stage.

Penisimani is now training under Tonga Paralympics Committee Head Coach Siueni Filimone as he prepares towards the 2028 Paralympic Games.

The Ministry of Health said the introduction of running blade technology represents an important step forward for access to advanced assistive equipment and opportunities for people living with disabilities in Tonga.

Penisimani Sakalia during the Oceania Athletics Championships Image: Tonga National Paralympics Committee

The development also highlights the role of collaboration between health services, sporting organisations and international partners in supporting athletes.

As Penisimani continues his training, his journey is expected to encourage greater participation in para sport and demonstrate the opportunities created through inclusive support.