Diving into the pool for the first time at a World Aquatics Championship meet, Beula Sanga took on the Men’s 50m Breastroke in heat one on day three of the 22nd World Aquatics Swimming Championships in Singapore.
Beula was full of enthusiasm for his race as he entered the mixed zone. At only 16 years old, Beula is the youngest person to represent Solomon Islands at this prestigious event and one of the youngest across the whole Oceania team here in Singapore. The initial recording of Beaula’s time was 38.00 and this is a personal best time in this event.
Beula was lined up next to fellow Oceania swimmer, Kouki Wantanabe from Northern Mariana Islands. As he stepped up onto the blocks he shared his feelings at being at this huge event, in front of a full stand of supportive spectators “I felt a little nervous but I was trying to say it’s okay, it’s okay, I’m good”. Despite his initial nervousness Beula thoroughly enjoyed his race and was very happy to share “It feels nice…this really feels good… it feels comfortable”.
Beula was full of pride as he described how it feels to represent his country on this international stage “It’s so nice. I’m so glad I come to represent my country. That’s good. I’m glad”. Brimming with gratitude it’s clear Beula is thrilled to be in this long course pool, showing his country what he has to offer. When asked about who inspires him he was quick to share “My coach is my inspiration”. It’s clear to see why, when asked what advice his coach gives him ahead races “If you go for it, no matter how it is, ‘let’s go, let’s go’, no worry about the others. Let’s go, just do your best”. This must have been going through Beula’s mind as he made his way through the water, completing in time that shaved a second off his previous best. Sadly this was an unofficial time recording as this swim was deemed disqualified, but this didn’t take away from the experience and joy of the race.
As Beula looks ahead to the rest of the competition he is bursting with excitement for his next race, Men’s 50m Backstroke on Saturday. “Yeah I’m feeling good, I’m ready, I’m ready, yes I’m looking forward to it”. Another fast race he is sure to be delighted to enter.
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Written by The Reporters’ Academy. Photo by Andrea Schuster