The curtain closed on pool competition today at the Pacific Mini Games, as Day Five delivered a thrilling finale with 30 medals on the line across six disciplines. With the Open Water Swim set to round off the swimming events tomorrow, the final day at the pool celebrated standout moments, personal victories, and a crowd roaring with pride and passion.
Fiji’s “Double Trouble” duo, David Young and Hansel McCaig, stormed the 50m Freestyle, claiming gold and silver in a dazzling display of speed and determination. Meanwhile, the Cook Islands had plenty to cheer about, as Jacob Story and Mia Laben each powered to gold, cementing their strong form throughout the competition.
Mia Lee’s journey has been one of quiet perseverance and consistent performance, reaching five finals over the Games and today, her moment arrived as she claimed a well-earned bronze, a testament to her resilience and hard work.
And in a fitting finale, Northern Marianas golden boy, Isaiah Aleksenko, capped off his incredible campaign with his sixth gold medal, closing a week of dominance in the water.
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.
FIJI’S SPECIAL BOND
Double success for Fiji in the 50m Freestyle Men’s Final on day 5 of the Pacific Mini Games. David Young took the lead, earning him the top spot and a gold medal, finishing in 22:12. Closely followed by teammate Hansel McCaig who swam into silver, finishing in 22.63.
Competing, winning medals and even entering the Mixed Zone together, it’s clear there is an incredible bond between the teammates, showcasing the immense power friendship has during these high pressure events. It could be said the pair manifested their way to the top two spots, with Young revealing
“Going into the race me and Hansel both talked. We wanted to just both finish one and two on the podium and hear our national anthem. So, we were really happy that we managed to do that and yeah, very happy with how it all went.”
McCaig added “just being on the podium with this guy is always a great feeling. We went 1 and 2 at the Pacific Games in 2023 so we’re just happy to back it up over here”
It’s a sensational seven medals for David Young and a noble nine for Hansel McCaig across the Games, making them perfect role models for younger swimmers to look up to. It’s clear swimming isn’t the only thing that is practiced, the two went on to share how they currently support the younger swimmers in the team.
“We’re just encouraging the young swimmers on our team to push past their limits. Just words of encouragement towards them, that’s just been our key focus.”
McCaig and Young also offered their advice to younger swimmers when times get tough, adding
“Just try to see the positive, don’t don’t dwell on the negative things and bad things that happen. Just be optimistic and just keep looking forward.”
It’s very clear Team Fiji see themselves as an extended family, the love they have for one another becomes very paramount in their reflections, with McCaig and Young adding
“…The team that we have right now, very special.”
Speaking of special, the pair also gave a very special shoutout to their teammate, Don Younger, who finished in 2:04.10 in the 200m Freestyle Men’s Heat, sharing,
“Don Younger, very supportive fellow. He keeps us all smiling and gets rid of all our nerves for us. He’s been putting a lot of effort throughout this week and it’s just good to see him persevere and get through”
Fiji stormed into silver medals in both the Women’s and Men’s 4 x 100m Medley Relay. The women’s team was made up of young rising stars Bai Vivita (18), Theola Kwong (17), Marseleima Moss (18) and Kelera Mudunasko (17), where they finished the Final in 4:27.37, shaving just over 20 seconds off their time in the Heats.
The Men’s Relay team was made up of dynamic duo David Young (20) and Hansel McCaig (21) as well as Samuel Yalimaiwai (22) and Thadders Kwong, the youngest of the line up at just 15 years old. The team finished their Final in a strong 3:44.06, which compared to their Heat time of 4:02.76, is just under 19 seconds faster. An impressive improvement. Their favourite moment of the competition? Cheering each other on, of course!
“Just cheering on the boys as a team, no matter if it’s like a low light or a highlight, just cheering them on and being there for them.”
When reflecting on the week they’ve had, McCaig thoughtfully shared the teams biggest learning, which was a direct reflection on their younger teammates
“Just the natural fight that our young athletes have. Whether it be the heats, we had Levi Rivico and Jeremiah Rova give it their all just to get us into the final. And just all the boys and girls, especially, it’s a lot of their first time competing for Fiji and swimming. And just seeing the positivity that they bring towards the team and just the support has been phenomenal.”
With only Open Water swim left to go, the team have almost completed their time at the Pacific Mini Games, so naturally minds are starting to think about what’s next. The team are keen to discover more about their host country.
“I think it’s all of our first times in Palau so we’re all very excited, since we’ve just been in one location pretty much the entire time, we’re excited to explore and see what else Palau has to offer with the rest of our team.”
Medals aren’t the only success Fiji had today in the pool, Marseleima Moss added a second Personal Best to her belt in the 200m Freestyle Women’s Final, finishing her event in 2:11.46. Moss shared,
“I was able to do a personal best that I was really happy with so coming into the finals it was really nerve-wracking and scary but the race is over now so I’m relieved… to even get a second PB I’m really happy with it.”
It’s important to note, Personal Bests aren’t the only thing Moss has achieved in this Games, taking home two silver medals in the 800m Freestyle and 1500m Freestyle, a huge achievement. Moss reflected on her time at the Games and was quick to praise her team, adding
“Overall, I’m really happy to be with my team, they help you finish up the week. I’m just happy and thankful to be here with them.”
But what’s next for Moss now the competition is over?
“Eat a lot of food! This entire week we’ve been eating really healthy, obviously, because of competition, but tonight I’m gonna eat everything and anything.”
Patricia Verebasaga, completed her time at the Games on day 5, swimming in the 200m Individual Medley Women’s. Verebasaga flashed through the Heats, qualifying her for the Finals, where she finished in 2:37.54. Teammate, Kelera Mundunasoko, also competed in the Heats and finished in 2:39.94.
This is only the second time Verebasaga has represented Fiji, and at just 18 years old, the balancing act between school and training can be difficult. Here, Verebasaga tells us more about the lead up to the Games and what the support from the crowd means to her and her teammates,
“Preparations leading up to Palau Mini Games weren’t easy, especially balancing my last year of high school. I train at least twice a day, morning and afternoon. I go to school during the day and then I go swimming in the afternoon. It definitely wasn’t easy with the school that I do, but I was able to balance it and be here and compete. I know it’s been a tough week racing. All of our swimmers are very tired but we thank you all for your support, your love and unconditional support.”
A consistent theme across Team Fiji is their motivation to compete at International level and continue to strive for more and better. It’s obvious that the team have an effect on each other’s motivation levels and help push one another, Veresbasaga shared
“My motivation, especially leading up to the games, have been my parents. Most importantly, they support me every time I go training. My coaches, definitely, I would not be where I am today without them. And most importantly, my teammates. I think I’ve always counted on them a lot to push me through training and I think we’ve all motivated each other to improve and get better in the pool.”
At the end of day 5, Fiji walk away with 21 medals overall, 7 gold, 10 silver and 4 bronze. Reflecting on their time in the pool, it’s clear to see that they are not only rich in medals, but in friendships too. The positivity and love they have for one another shines through and that is worth its weight in gold.
“Our team is always there for us and no matter what, even though it’s an individual sport, we’re never alone.”
UNWAVERING COMMITMENT FROM FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA
On day 5 of competition, Federated States of Micronesia had swimmers compete across seven events, all of which gave 100% effort in each Heat. The final day in the pool, surrounded by a vibrant atmosphere and cheered on by their fellow Pacific islanders, the team’s effort, endurance and National pride were on show.
Karterson Moya, represented Federated States of Micronesia across four events on day 5 of competition, adding the 50m Freestyle Men’s, 100m Backstroke Men’s, 200m Freestyle Men’s and 200m Individual Medley to his international competition experience. Overall, Moya competed in 12 events across the Games, making his nation proud, and at just 18 years old puts him in good stead for future competitions and World stages.
FSM were well represented during the 50m Freestyle Women’s Heats, with the Kihleng sisters, Kestra and Kaylinn, Dharma Perkins and Keysha Salmon all competing. Kestra finished with 29.35, followed by Perkins with 30:08, Kaylinn with 30.27 and Keysha Salmon rounding the heat off with a finishing time of 32.52. A strong female presence on day 5 of the Games.
Also representing FSM, Harston Eperiam alongside Katerson Moya, competed in the 50m Freestyle Men’s Heat, with a finishing time of 28.49. Perkins also joined the ranks, swimming in the 100m Backstroke Women’s Heat, and finishing with a strong 1:18.58.
Kestra Kihleng didn’t stop at the 50m Freestyle Women’s, we also saw her on the blocks for 200m Freestyle Women’s Heat, finishing in 2:24.72. Strong and proud representation for the Federated States of Micronesia.
Every race across the Games was met with unwavering commitment, a strong sense of camaraderie, and the joy of representing their nation on the international stage.
HEADS HELD HIGH FOR MARSHALL ISLANDS
On day 5 of the Pacific Mini Games, we saw the return of Marshall Islands Jacob Hutchinson and Jaya Corder. They both competed in the 50m Freestyle Heats with Jaya finishing at 28.23 and Jacob finishing close behind at 29.83. The two young swimmers can hold their heads high, representing their nation in three competitions, adding to their experience and confidence of competing in large scale events.
With the invaluable memories and experience they have gained from competing in these games, it’s safe to say it’s a positive stepping stone for future competitions. What an achievement for Jaya and Jacob.
GUAM’S MIA LEE REAPS HER REWARD
Amaya Bollinger’s silver yesterday in the Women’s 200m Butterfly seemingly inspired her teammates on day 5 of competition, the final day in the pool at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau. Team Guam capped off a hugely successful Games by adding two further medals to their collection totalling three for the tournament, a remarkable achievement, one which their entire nation can be proud of. Israel Poppe showed his class, timing the Men’s 200m freestyle well to bring home the bronze.
“I was just trying to get myself mentally ready for it because I know it’s one of my hardest events that I swim, So I just tried to work on my pacing”
Reacting to his time, 1:56.69, Israel said “Oh wow, that’s pretty good. That’s almost a second faster than what I went this morning. I didn’t think I was going to do that.”
Guam’s success this week, and the wider impact was on his mind.
“It’s really motivated me to get a medal because I didn’t want to be one of the ones that didn’t get one, I want to be one of the best on my team and the best on these islands”.
Mia Lee, who was competing in her 5th Final of the week so far, went one better than her two previous 4th placed finishes to take her first medal claiming bronze in the Women’s 50m Freestyle. The 17 year old could not contain her beaming smile on the podium
“Looking back on the race, it really is a blur, but I feel like every part of my race that I planned out, I executed the way that I wanted. Guam is a really, really small island and our swimming community isn’t that big so it’s really nice to be able to bring home some hardware.”
Mia’s suitcase will be slightly heavier on the way home. Placed alongside her cherished Rubik’s cube, which she has solved in her personal time of 31 seconds, will be a bronze medal having gone 26.95 in the Final.
Amaya Bollinger qualified for the 200M Freestyle Final where she went 5th fastest overall with her 2:14.32. Reflecting on the week she said,
“This whole meet was fun, I made a lot of new personal bests so I’m really happy with that and then I was able to get a medal. I’m really grateful to end off on a high note. It was amazing to have my fellow teammates get two medals today, I’m really proud of them.”
And so wraps up Guam’s time at the Pacific Mini Games here in Palau. The team of young superstars has a bright future ahead of them and we look forward to tracking their progress at upcoming international competitions.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES FROM NORTHERN MARIANAS
As we head towards the end of the swimming of the Games, we take a look at some of the stand out performances of Northern Marianas. Isaiah Roger Aleksenko brings home the gold once again in the 100m Backstroke Men’s Final. He won his medal with a remarkable finish time of 52.55, making this his sixth gold of nine medals in total. Isaiah, despite winning a medal each day of the competition, remains humble when reflecting on his experience at the Games.
“It’s the last day, and I am very happy…the people here are very supportive”
Isaiah’s accomplishments are immense and he is grateful for his support systems such as his family and his teammates.
“My teammates are very supportive, if you are feeling down they definitely try and push us to go faster.”
Isaiah also competed in the 4x100m Medley Relay final alongside teammates Kean James Sy Pajarillaga, Kouki Cerezo Watanabe and Moshe Vien Sikkel. The team performed outstandingly, taking home a bronze medal with a time of 3:48.83. Kean and Moshe have both won medals throughout the week. In total, Kean achieved three bronze and two silver medals and Moshe won one silver and one bronze.
Kean and Kouki also competed in other events, Kean swam the 100m Backstroke, clocking a time of 57.70. Kouki took on the 200m Individual Medley heats finishing the Heat in 2:18.68.
In the female 4x100m Medley relay finals, Maria Corazon Ayson Batallones, Maria Yamaguchi Guerrero, Shoko Suzuki Litulumar and Frances Rodelia Raho completed the Heat at 4:40.20. Frances also competed in the 50m Freestyle finals, finishing at 27.52, as well as the 100m Backstroke Heats completing it at 1:09.89. Once again, we can see for many in Northern Marianas, they take huge motivation from their families and the support they provide.
“My biggest motivation would probably be my family. They text me every night, saying how proud they are of me”
Frances also talks about the bond she shares with her team, and how much she enjoys spending time with them.
“The highlight of my week is racing with my friends in my team, and doing the relays with them”
Maria Batallones has also had success this week, taking home two silver medals and a bronze. She competed in the 50m Freestyle achieving a time of 28.61, making it her tenth event of the Games.
Maria Guerrero, one of the youngest swimmers at 14 years old, competed in the 100m Backstroke Heats completing with a time of 1:13.83. She made her nation proud, qualifying for five Finals, competing in a total of ten Games with her last event being Saturday’s Open water 5k.
PALAU ROARED TO ANOTHER BRONZE
Before the sun set on the final day of swimming at the pool for host nation Palau, the home crowd again roared their athletes to another successful day recording their third bronze medal in consecutive days.
Kazuumi Nestor picked up bronze in the Men’s 100m Backstroke, his second medal of the games, with a new PB of 56.88. After the race, Nestor praised the home crowd who cheered him.
“This is where I live, it’s my home. I just want to thank everyone for cheering me on. They’re amazing here”
Kazuumi, reflecting on the Games and what he has achieved, paid tribute to his support network of teammates.
“The boys, Jion, Erun, Zen, Noel, Charlie, Travis, they’ve all been with me since day one. They’re always there for me. They always cheer me up. They’re the best teammates.”
Charlie Gibbons and Travis Sakurai both qualified for the Men’s 200m Freestyle Final finishing 5th and 6th fastest overall. Finishing their competition, both the female and male team went in the 200m Medley Relay, the ladies finished 7th in the Heats with a time of 5:33.59 and the men progressed to the Finals finishing 5th overall to draw the curtains on a job well done for Palau.
They will take immense joy from a hugely successful Games, the proud custodians of the inaugural swimming discipline featured at the Pacific Mini Games.
Papua New Guinea
Jhnayali Tokome-Garap along with Joanna Chen were Papua New Guinea’s two finalist’s on day 5 of competition at the pool. Jhnayali has been the nations standout performer earning both of PNG’s two medals this week. She qualified for the Women’s 50m Freestyle Final this morning 4th fastest with 27.41. In the final she squeezed in more improvement to finish 27.36 which had her placed 4th fastest overall. Joanna Chen finished 6th fastest in the 200m Individual Medley with a time of 2:43.18. Afterwards she said,
“…being here, representing my country, getting in there, putting my head down and just finishing to the wall, it was really good.”
What was the experience like for her in Palau being surrounded by her fellow Pacific Islanders?
“With the Pacific Islanders, we’re a super close family. You see us cheering together, learning each others chants, and I’ve met so many people here, good friends, making TikToks, having fun, talking, it’s been really good.”
Closing out the final day, Papua New Guinea were Finalists in the Men’s 200m Medley Relay placing 6th fastest with a time of 4:25.84. Their athletes will return to their training with valuable experience gained and renewed zeal to come back to future meets stronger and quicker.
SUCCESS FOR SAMOA ON FINAL DAY OF POOL COMPETITION
“SAMOA” erupted from the crowds during a very busy day in the pool for Team Samoa, proudly represented across all 10 events on day 5 of competition, achieving 5 medals – 3 bronze, 1 gold and 1 silver.
The competition started strong today with Hector Langkilde securing the bronze medal in the 50m Freestyle Men’s Final, finishing in a strong time of 22.79, shaving 0.33 seconds off his time in the Heats.
It was no surprise there were beaming smiles all round on the podium after the 50m Freestyle Women’s event. The medal machine, Paige Schendelaar-Kemp stormed through the 50m Freestyle Women’s with a finish time of 26.59 taking her into first place and a well-deserved gold medal, making this her third gold medal of the competition.
Success continued for Schendelaar-Kemp on day 5, making the 200m Freestyle Women’s Final her next conquest, setting her sights on the silver medal. Finishing the event in 2:12.70, shaving just over 5 seconds from the Heats earlier in the day.
The medal tally for Samoa continued to grow, with Salani Sa’aga cruising her way to a bronze medal in the 100m Backstroke Women’s Final, finishing in 1:04.46. Making that Sa’aga’s 5th medal overall, achieving one silver and four bronze, and with the Open Water Swim still to go.
Another Final, another medal for Samoa in the 4 x 100m Medley Relay Women’s Final, with Salani Sa’aga, Nafanua Hamilton, Paige Schendelaar-Kemp and Talia Saumamao bringing home a bronze with a finishing time of 4:27.95.
We also saw Samoa proudly represented in the 4 x 100m Medley Relay Men’s Final, with Hector Langkilde, Johann Stickland and brothers Solomona and La’aui Hamilton competing, 4th fastest overall and finishing in 3:56.40.
Samoa’s success in the pool during the Pacific Mini Games has been nothing short of incredible, taking home six gold, four silver and eight bronze medals overall, making them an extremely well decorated team. We think it’s safe to say that their whole experience at the Pacific Mini Games in Palau has been unforgettable.
TONGA SECURES PERSONAL BESTS AND NATIONAL RECORDS
It’s been a busy week for Tonga’s swimmers competing in several events, winning medals, achieving Personal Bests and breaking National Records.
Finau Lino Ohuafi has competed in six events during the Games, including today’s 50m Freestyle, where he finished at 23.89. Earlier this week, Finau set the National Record twice during the 100m Butterfly, with a swift final time of 56.16. The home-grown swimmer has certainly been making Tonga proud, and that is a huge motivation for Finau.
“I wake up and think, it’s a new day…I’m here to represent my country”
In the 4 x 100m Medley Relay we see Vaoahi Afu, Carolann Susana Faeamani, Luseane Latai Limoni and Charissa Sofia Panuve, coming in at 4:51.63.
Vaoahi competed in two finals in the Games, placing 5th in both 50m and 100m breaststroke with times of 35.18 seconds and 1:18.59 respectively. Both of her swim times were achievements, as she achieved Personal Bests. Vaoahi also competed in the 50m Freestyle heats, completing in 30.11 seconds.
The rest of the Medley relay team also competed in other races over the course of the week. Seventeen year old Carolann Faeamani competed in an immense eleven swim events, including today’s 100m Backstroke and 50m Freestyle Heats. She completed the 100m Backstroke in 1:10.19 and the 50m Freestyle in 28.53. One of Tonga’s youngest swimmers also competed in today’s 100m Backstroke, Luseane Limoni (14) completed in 1:19.22 making that her seventh event of the games.
INVALUABLE EXPERIENCE FOR VANUATU’S SWIMMERS
The final day of pool competition at the Pacific Mini Games was a showcase of strength, determination, and invaluable experience as Vanuatu gave it their all in a series of Heats. From individual efforts to relay teamwork, the Vanuatu swimmers delivered performances that reflected their resilience on the international stage.
The morning began with the 50m Freestyle Heats, where Loane Ly Yolande Russet clocked a timing of 28.35, setting the pace for the women’s event. She was joined by Lou Anne Delrieu, finishing in 31.79 and Pamela Akisa Mesa completing the Heat in 32.81, both of whom swam with great focus, showcasing the growing depth of talent in Vanuatu. Delrieu, at the age of 14 years old, has set her own standards high after this competition.
In the men’s 50m Freestyle, Elven Michel Antoine Todman recorded a solid 28.98, while Dani Teilemb (30.18) and Robsen Dick (31.64) each powered through their heats with admirable determination.
The 100m Backstroke Heats featured Chloe Lisbeth Ameara, who posted a time of 1:27.30 in a solo effort that reflected her impressive composure that she has showcased throughout the competition. Ameara returned to the pool later in the day for the 200m Individual Medley, finishing with a time of 3:19.05, finishing off her meet with a consistent performance.
In the 200m Freestyle, Russet once again showed her strength, finishing her heat in 2:22.94, while on the men’s side, Leo Lebot clocked 2:15.84, excellent effort from both swimmers.
The day closed with an emotional highlight in the 4x100m Medley Relay Women’s Heat, where Team Vanuatu raced with heart, posting a time of 5:31.89. As the team pushed through the water, the crowd erupted in support, chanting “Go Vanuatu go!”
A powerful moment of community pride that captured the true spirit of the Games and Pacific islands.
Throughout the competition, each race has been a victory in its own right, a chance for athletes to gain invaluable experience and wear their nation’s flag with pride.
News from the pool from Oceania Aquatics NON affiliated members:
NEW CALEDONIA ADDS MORE BRONZE TO COLLECTION
Over five thrilling days of competition, New Caledonia’s athletes lit up the pool with their talent. From the first splash to the final race, their performances were a showcase of dedication and drive, earning an impressive haul of three gold, one silver, and twelve bronze medals. The swimmers gave their all and proudly flew the flag for New Caledonia with every stroke.
On day 5 of competition, we saw Camille Jarcet finish 3rd in the 200m Freestyle Women’s Final, finishing in 2:09.64, achieving another bronze medal. Jarcet has had an impressive meet, taking home four bronze medals and one gold medal, on the last day in the pool.
Luke Mercier has made quite the splash across the Games, not just on day 5 of competition. Mercier swam in the 200m Individual Medley and secured a bronze medal, finishing the Final in 2:08.87. Shaving just under 2 seconds off his time in the Heats. Across the competition, Mercier has bagged 3 bronze medals, which is an excellent achievement for the 18 year old swimmer.
Concluding the day’s events, we saw Lusia-Laa Ah Scha, Manon Baldovini, Diane Bui-Duyet and Clara Delunel step up to the blocks to compete in the 4 x 100m Medley Relay Women’s Final, finishing in 4:22.18 earning them the top stop and a gold medal. An incredible achievement for the female-strong team and a huge feat for 14 year old Lusia-Laa Ah sha, 16 year old Clara Delunel and 17 year old Manin Baldovini in their overall International competition experience.
Across the week, New Caledonia have won medals, gained more invaluable experience on an International level and been cheered on by their fellow Pacific island supporters and swimmers – a very successful week!
TAHITI CAP OFF A STELLAR COMPETITION
Tahiti capped off their time in Palau with a further 4 golds and 5 silvers to take their haul to an unassailable 45 medals. The Tahitians were unstoppable in the 200m Freestyle with Heimaru-Iti Bonnard timing 2:06.47 in the Women’s, and Nael Roux in the Men’s both taking gold. Enoa Vial completed the one-two with silver with his time of 1:55.69 beaten by Roux’s 1:54.06.
Deotille Videau, who has lit up the competition this week with her talent, winning gold in the 200m Individual Medley with a time of 2:22.67. The 16 year old, who has been swimming since she was 6 years old, has registered 10 medals alone in this competition.
Heimaru-Iti Bonnard added Silver in the 50m Freestyle with a time of 26.94 to make it two medals for the day.
It was silver in the 100m Backstroke, with Deotille Videau in the Women’s finishing in 1:04.18 and Keha Desbordes in the Men’s timed at 54.84.
In the 200m Individual Medley, Nael Roux placed second with 2:05.14 claiming silver, only beaten by a gutsy swim from Cook Islands Jacob Story.
Closing out the final day of competition at the pool, the Men’s team in the 4 x 100m Medley Relay took Gold posting 3:41.64 to end an incredible tournament for Team Tahiti.
–Ends–
Words & interviews: The Reporters’ Academy. Photos: Ryota Nishida