Cook Islands – Alicia does the family proud
The story wrote itself on day four as Alicia joined her brother, multiple medal winner at these championships, Jacob Story, in the medal-action.
Qualifying for the Women’s 200m Butterfly with a time of 2:37.60 the stage was set for the Final. It was a mammoth swim, 2:29.27, by far a new personal best, and 8 seconds quicker than her morning Prelims that secured bronze.
“I touched the wall and I looked over and saw everyone cheering, it was such a magical moment, it’s my first time getting a medal and I was just so proud to have achieved this.”
It was a beautifully emotional moment for 16 year old Alicia Story and her brother, Jacob.
“It was so amazing, I finished my race, I looked straight over at him (Jacob) and he was jumping out of his seat, it was so nice. He came right up to me and he had tears streaming down his face and it definitely made me shed a few tears but he was just so proud of me, it was nice to make him and my family proud.”
What is it like competing shoulder to shoulder with a family member on the regional stage?
“It’s amazing to have him here because he’s been to so many of these competitions and this is my first time. So having him here just really calmed me down a lot. He talks me through a lot of my races and just supports me the whole way.” Alicia said.
Mia Laban progressed well in the Women’s 100m Freestyle, she set another PB of 59.22 in the Prelims and just missed out on a medal in the Final, finishing 4th fastest. Incredibly, Mia has set new personal bests in every single race this week.
“So far this week I’ve had a hundred percent PBs”
What does she put her form down to?
“The pride in representing my country makes me want to swim faster and get all these personal bests.” Laban said.
Mia goes again tomorrow in 3 further disciplines, 50m and 200m Freestyle along with 100m backstroke.
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Words & interviews: The Reporters’ Academy. Photos: Ryota Nishida