Oceania Athletics has paid tribute to Solomon Islands athlete, official and educator Jack Iroga following his sudden passing at the age of 39.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the sudden passing of our dear friend and colleague, Jack Iroga of Solomon Islands,” the organisation said in a statement.
Jack began his athletics career 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. He trained at the Oceania High Performance Centre at the Millennium Institute in Auckland.
A versatile athlete, Jack recorded strong results at regional level. He won silver in the high jump at the 2003 OAA Melanesian Championships, followed by silver in the discus and bronze in the 110m hurdles at the 2005 championships. In 2008, he claimed bronze in the 100m at the Oceania Championships and finished second overall in the field events during the 2006 Grand Prix series in Ba, Sigatoka and Apia.
Jack represented the Solomon Islands at the 2003 World Youth Championships, the 2004 World Junior Championships in Grosseto, and the 2006 and 2010 Commonwealth Games, competing in the 100 metres.
Beyond competition, Oceania Athletics said Jack made a lasting impact as an official and educator. 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.
Jack was also committed to developing the next generation of athletics officials and coaches. He lectured at the OBAS Course in Honiara in 2025 and later served as a Lecturer for the World Athletics CECS Level II Sprints, Hurdles and Relays Course on the Gold Coast in December 2025.
“Jack’s passing is an immense loss to athletics—not only in the Solomon Islands, but across the entire Oceania Region,” the statement said.
“As an athlete, coach, educator, and technical official, he made an invaluable contribution. As a person, he was kind, warm, humble, and a joy to work with.”
Oceania Athletics extended condolences to his family and the wider athletics community.
“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.
“Rest in eternal peace, dear Jack.”
