Beatrice Faumuina

Beatrice Faumuina is a champion discus-thrower who has set a series of records in her successful career.

She was the first woman from the Southwest Pacific region to win a World Championship title, striking gold in Athens in 1997.

She went on to win golds at two Commonwealth Games and placed seventh in the 2004 Olympic Games.

In addition, Faumina set 11 New Zealand discus-throw records, and was awarded the title Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to athletics.

She was appointed an FAO Goodwill Ambassador in 2005. "You can count on my continued, tireless support to FAO's activities and worldwide campaign against hunger,” she said.

She acted as patron for the Southwest Pacific region, to promote an initiative launched by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF). This involved an auction of sporting items donated by top athletes, with money raised going to FAO as well as WFP and UNICEF.