World Aquatics Swimming Championships 2024 Budapest. Photo: World Aquatics
While they may not have won medals, the Pacific Island representatives at the 2024 World Aquatics Swimming Championships in Hungary will return to their respective home nations with a lot more experience and knowledge.
Most of the swimmers - alomost three dozen from 12 island nations - recorded personal best times, while others broke old national records and set new ones in the process.
New Zealand and Australia, traditional powerhouses in Oceania, also sent over 40 swimmers combined.
The Reporters' Academy spoke to some of them Pacific Islands swimmers in Budapest over the last few days.
One thing was common: learning a lot more than what they had before and the experience of racing against some of the world's best. Rubbing shoulders against them the top swimmers has boosted the small island nations swimmers confidence.
Jacob Story in Budapest. Photo: Oceania Aquatics
Cook Islands' Story sets new record
Jacob Story represented the Cook Islands with pride and determination.
In his final race of the competition, Story showed skills and resilience, finishing strong while setting a new national record and personal best in the process.
The Reporters Academy said as the youngest swimmer in his heat, Story embraced the opportunity to compete on such a prestigious stage.
"It felt like how I normally swim, so that was good," he remarked, reflecting on the familiarity of the competition even in the face of international pressure.
"Mentally, I think I was ready; physically, I was ready too. I just keep reminding myself that I put a lot into my training, did good preparation, so just mentally keep believing in myself and telling myself that I was ready for this,"
He achieved impressive split times throughout his race: his first 25 meters clocked in at 13.98 seconds, and he reached the 100m halfway point in 1:04.88. He completed his heat in a remarkable time of 2:14.33 seconds.
He was proud of his accomplishment.
"I'm pretty proud of myself stepping up onto that stage and giving it my best. I know that I put 100% into it, and I couldn't have done any better," he expressed, underscoring not only the physical achievements but also the emotional journey of competing at such a high level.
Connolly reflects on sucess and unity
Another Cook Islands swimmer Lanihei Connolly said she was determined to achieve her goal.
It was good, I was happy with the time. I wanted to go 30 point, and I did," she said.
She ompleted the 50m breaststroke, achieving a personal best - her second of the competition.
"I feel like I could have executed a few things better, but there's always something to work on, so I'm happy," she told The Reporters Academy.
Connolly showed her competitive edge against others in the water and maintained a steady pace through her two lengths, achieving split times of 14.25s for the first 25 meters and 16.71s for the second, with a final time of 30.96 seconds.
She said one of her favorite memories from the competition was spending time with fellow athletes from the Pacific islands.
"Spending time with everyone from Oceania, I think we had a very fun warm-up area - Samoa's always playing music, so always good vibes, always good times."
Carolann Faeamani, Finau Ohuafi and Vaoahi Afu. Photo: Tonga Aquatics Association - TA
Tonga's talened trio shine
Team Tonga had three remarkable swimmers representing the Kingdom.
Carolann Faeamani, Vaoahi Afu, and Finau Ohuafi showcased their skills on the international stage.
Faeamani was the first to hit the water in the women's 50m freestyle.
She reflected on her race with mixed feelings.
"It was 0.1 seconds off and not too bad, but definitely got a lot of improvements to work on," she said.
"I just really enjoyed the atmosphere and getting to meet new people before my race and getting to talk to them; it's pretty cool,"
She entered the race with a reaction time of 0.69 seconds and followed up with split times of 13.49s and 14.69s, ultimately finishing with a time of 28.18s.
"I definitely enjoyed the competition overall. I have a lot of things to work on; definitely with my start, diving practice, and maybe some more things on my stroke," she said.
Now that she has completed her race, Carolann expressed excitement about exploring Budapest with the team and indulging in some desserts!
Finau Ohuafi competed in the men's 50m freestyle.
"The best thing about being here competing is that you race with your friends; pushing each other is good." Finau said after finishing in 23.26 seconds.
"I was aiming for a time I wanted, and that's what I got. Surprised and happy to see that." A remarkable aspect of his experience was achieving a new national record, leaving him speechless with pride."
He said his father had given him a game plan.
"Do a small prayer and be thankful," he said.
"Make a plan, visualise it, and execute it." Reflecting on his performance, he stated, "I did exactly that and did beyond what I expected, so I'm super, super happy with what I did."
His split times were 13.49s and 14.69s.
Vaoahi Afu competed in the women's 50m breaststroke.
She expressed her satisfaction with the experience of competing against so many talented swimmers.
"Overall, I reckon I did good. The competition was so good to see fast swimmers, especially in my main stroke, breaststroke. It was really interesting," she said.
Chloe Ameara, left, and Leo Lebot. Photo: Oceania Aquatics
Vanuatu's Lebot sets new national record
Leo Lebot of Vanuatu returned to the World Aquatics Swimming Championships with determination and ambition in the men's 50m freestyle.
The Reporters' Academy said Lebot showed his potential and skills, finishing impressively with a time of 27.38 seconds.
His split times of 13.30s for the first 25m and an impressive final lap of 14.08s gave him good standing, achieving a new national record..
"I'm really happy," he said, with pride. "I came here to make Vanuatu proud, and I'm really honored to represent my country." This sentiment of honour and responsibility propelled Leo throughout this prestigious international event, allowing him to leave with his head held high."
He acknowledged the support of his teammates and fellow Pacific island competitors.
"Just spending time with my team, we really get along well. It's a joy to be here together because it's an amazing opportunity that lots of people wish for. I'm really grateful to be here, so we'll enjoy it."
Palau's Nestor achieves new record
Team Palau's Kazuumi Haruwoniafangi Nestor swam in the men's 50m freestyle and set a new national record of 24.20s.
Nestor completed his competition at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships with split times in this race of 11.73s and 12.47s.
Thomas Chen, left, and Jhnayali Tokome-Garap Photo: PNG Swimming
PNG swimmers do well
Jhnayali Tokome-Garap and Thomas Chen left their mark with personal bests and national records in Budapest.
Tokome-Garap competed in the women's 50m freestyle and finished with a time of 26.96s, with split times of 12.90s and 14.06s.
"I could feel my heart pounding before I dove in," she admitted, as she reflected on being on the stand at the beginning of her race.
"It was unreal because I was expecting a 27 low, but I actually got my 26 high, so I'm really proud of the effort that I gave and proud of the result."
Not only did she achieve her personal best, she also broke the national record for her age, previously held by Barbra Vali Skeleton since 2013.
Thomas Chen took to the pool for the men's 50m breaststroke.
He arrived with a clear goal in mindset.
"I came in with the expectation of hitting sub 30," he explained.
He finished in 29.14 seconds, a personal best that also earned him a national record by surpassing the previous record set by Ashley Seeto in 2016.
"I've been hitting 30s for a while, so it was good to finally break it properly in short course," he said.
Chen took advantage of the time to 'reset' between races, allowing him to approach his final event with focus and clarity.
"It was a good swim; I was happy with it," he reflected.
"For me, the adrenaline from standing behind the blocks is something that can't be described, and as such, I've been chasing it ever since."
He said competing at the event was an honor.
"It's a blessing to put the cap on and race for your country," he noted.
"Seeing really big names, athletes around here - you see them all the time on screen and online, but now you see them in person; it's a whole different feeling," he shared. "Definitely a blessing."
Team Samoa Swimming in Budapest. Photo: Samoa Swimming
Team Samoa rides high energy
Team Samoa, saw Kaiya Brown, Paige Schenderlaar-Kemp, Hector Langkilde and Kokoro Frost compete in the mixed 4x50m freestyle event.
They finished with a time of 1:39.76 seconds.
The swimmers told The Reporters Academy they "pushed each other to the best of our abilities".
Schenderlaar-Kemp also competed in the individual women's 100m butterfly heat and said "this whole experience and every race, no matter the result, has been an enjoyable experience as a whole".
She recorded a time of overall time of 1:01.84s.
