14th May 2026
Liana Planz (21) was American Samoa’s only representative in this year’s Oceania Aquatics Championships, with Planz competing in the Women’s 100m and 50m Freestyle as well as the 50 Meter Butterfly. Planz got a personal best in the 50m Fly heats, taking her into the B finals with a time of 29.94.
Planz then went to obtain another personal best the following day in the Women’s 100m Freestyle Final in which she came 15th with a time of 1.02.90. Planz dedicated her 100m Freestyle race to her mother, who she deems the biggest influence on her career. A touching and fitting dedication, as the race itself landed on Mothers Day.
Liana achieved her final personal best of the championships in the 50m Freestyle heats, finishing with a time of 28.39 that secured her a place in the finals. Planz was satisfied with her final race of the week, pleased that she still “had something left in the tank”.
When reflecting on her time in Fiji, Liana spoke positively.
“I find it lovely. It’s a great atmosphere. It’s really cool to be here, it’s my first time in Fiji. I’m excited to represent American Samoa and very honored.”
Although Liana is the only representative from her nation, she did not feel alone, as she spoke about her friendships with other nations. With a special mention to the Samoan team who “brought her in” over the course of the week.
“It was really nice seeing everybody get together. I see them probably twice a year, but it’s nice to see familiar faces..hanging out with them, bonding with other countries, it’s really cool.”
Liana Planz has been swimming since 8th grade, and whilst she is happy with her performance during the championships, achieving her goal of obtaining personal bests, she notes that she is taking it as an opportunity to further her training and improve her performance. Planz is currently swimming in the States, doing her masters in Exercise Physiology. Her aspirations are high with thoughts of joining the military or doing aerospace physiology. Before that though, her current goal is to make the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, so she is focused on her training.
“I am being very intentional with my sprints and trying to get better in the weight room and in the water.”
Planz’s first senior international meet was Budapest short course World Aquatics Swimming Championships in 2024, where her desire to represent American Samoa was solidified.
“I loved the feeling of competing at a world stage and being a part of something bigger than myself.”
Planz recognises the importance of perseverance, hard work and focus, but also the importance of enjoying the journey.
“I’m hoping to get better as time goes on. Learning from my races, trying to incorporate that into my practices and try to do better each time.”
We hope to see more of Planz as she continues to further her swimming career, with her aspiration to make it through to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics Games.
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Thank you to Oceania Aquatics and World Aquatics continental support funding a new generation of Pacific Island reporters during these Championships, with eight trainees from Fiji and Samoa swimming federations working alongside The Reporters’ Academy to develop their skills, capture athlete stories, and share the voices of Pacific swimmers with a global audience.