COOK ISLANDS DOUBLE GOLD DELIGHT AS ATTENTION TURNS TO 2029
The Cook Islands finished on a high on the final day at the Palau National Swimming Pool in Koror, taking 2 golds bringing their medal tally from swimming to an eye watering 11 individual honours.
Everything Mia Laban touches turns to gold with countless PBs set this week, culminating fittingly with the top prize in the Women’s 100m Backstroke Final. Laban led for the entire race, but needed to dig deep on the final 25m with Tahitian Deotille and Samoan Salani Sa’aga hot on her tail. Approaching the wall it was anyone of the three’s race. “Too close to call” rang out the commentator in the stadium. But it was Laban who emerged from the water victorious, holding off Deotille by 4 milliseconds.
Jacob Story and Carter Makira both qualified for the Men’s 200m Individual Medley Final, 2nd and 6th respectively. Jacob conserved his energy for the final though, storming to gold with 2:04.08, 8 seconds faster than his morning Heats.
“I just wanted to come in today and give my 100%, I wanted to swim it how I knew, that’s going out pretty fast and holding on at the end. I could see both competitors on either side into that final freestyle leg so I just wanted to give it my all and bring it home.”
Cook Islands Chef De Mission Mark Short had the privilege of awarding the medal to Jacob before Te Atua Mou ‘Ē proudly rung out. It’s not been an easy week for the 19 year old, as he battled with illness throughout the week, that context makes his achievements this week all the more special.
“I’ve definitely learned so many new things, learned how to deal with swimming while being sick, swimming while being tired, swimming while being put under all these types of pressures. So yeah, it’s been such a great experience and to be able to win two gold medals for this country is just so special”
Alicia Story was a finalist herself in the Women’s 200 Individual Medley placing 4th fastest overall with 2:31.49 rounding off a brilliant week of personal bests, medals, and new experience gained for the Cook Islands fresh and exciting team.
The attention for The Cook Islands turns to 2029 now, being handed the cherished responsibility of hosting the next Pacific Mini Games with a brand new pool on the horizon.
–Ends–
Words & interviews: The Reporters’ Academy. Photos: Ryota Nishida