As a competitive opportunity, the Pacific Mini Games here in Palau are taking on extra significance, outside a year where swimmers may perform at an Oceania Championships or a Commonwealth Games. Therefore, there’s a real chance to develop teams and give base experience to Junior swimmers in this environment.
Needless to say, there were some fine examples in evidence on Day 4 of competition. 17 year old Amaya Bollinger picked up Guam’s first swimming medal of the week with young Tongan swimmers Alexander Villami, 13 and Luseane Latai Limoni, 14 impressing for their proud nation.
Today, there were 21 medals up for grabs across 4 disciplines.
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.
Federated States of Micronesia – Experience gained in Palau
The Federated States of Micronesia were well represented in the Women’s 100m Freestyle with 4 from the nation competing including sisters Kestra and Kaylinn Kihleng. Kestra went fastest out with 1:04.02 to take bragging rights.
In the Men’s 100m Freestyle, Federated States of Micronesia were proudly represented by two determined athletes; 18 year old Katerson Moya and 20 year old Harston Eperiam.
Both their swims demonstrated focus, resilience and confidence in a highly competitive field, gaining crucial race experience. At young ages, their presence at these Games mark significant achievement as well as providing a huge milestone they can add to their swimming careers.
We also saw FSM represented in the 4 x 50m Mixed Relay, finishing their heat in 1:47.66, another racing experience gained in regional competition.
For the Federated States of Micronesia swimmers, this experience is about more than times. It’s the opportunity to represent their nation as well as enhance their growth as athletes. With each stroke, these athletes are inspiring the next generation, and their efforts are a reminder of what can be achieved with determination, courage and passion.
Fiji – 7 up for Hansel
Four days and seven medals – that’s the impressive tally for Hansel McCaig. As such, he was ‘top seed’ leading into today’s Final of the Men’s 100m Freestyle in Palau. Being a favourite swimmer to win an event presents a different mental challenge when everyone is looking to chase you down. Hansel described how he successfully handled this to brilliantly claim his first individual gold medal at these Games.
‘I went in as the top seed so it was quite a lot of nerves and expectations. You have an opportunity to believe in all the hard work that you’ve put in. The race folded out the way that I’d hoped for, and I did enough to get my hand on the wall first. I hoped to go sub 50, in the 49s. It’s a gold medal so I’m just happy regardless.
It’s about consistency. Even when you don’t feel like doing it, just getting there to the pool and getting in the water, that takes you further than any motivation.’
Reuben Taylor was also a finalist in the same event. He stopped the clock in a time of 52.64 seconds. It was his highest individual placing this week in a Final for the young 17 year-old swimmer. In addition, he broke his previous personal best of 54.20 when finishing 2nd at the Fijian Short Course Trials just 5 weeks ago.
Two Fijians lined up in the Women’s 1500m Freestyle Final. Marseleima Moss and Imelda Smith. Marseleima was looking to secure her second medal of these Games to follow up on her silver in the 800m Freestyle. Imelda having also gained a silver medal in the 4 x 50m Mixed Medley was looking to improve on her 6th ranking in Tuesday’s 800m Freestyle.
Imelda continued her progression by finishing a respectable 5th with a time of 19-32.39. Marseleima, whilst not quite achieving her hopes for going sub 18 minutes, her competitive nature came through to clinch her second silver medal of these Games. Her time of 18-42.74 just edged out Samoa’s Talia Saumamao.
It’s been a long time since Marseleima was taught how to swim by her mum at the tender age of two, but it was an important moment leading to today’s success.
‘Since then, I’ve just enjoyed it. There’s obviously a lot of ups and downs with it but yeah that’s probably what’s inspired me the most. This race is 60 laps, so you’d think there’s a lot going through your mind but for me personally I think just making sure I’m keeping my pace and keeping my stroke rate and technique is important. ‘
Reuben Taylor qualified for the Final of the 1500m Men’s Freestyle, finishing in a time of 19-04.67.
Last race of the evening session for the men was the 4 x 50m mixed Freestyle Relay. By this time the rain was lashing down on the pool, but nothing could dampen the spirit of the Fijian team. Vivita Bai, Hansel McCaig, David Young and Jonalese Vatubua inched their way to an exciting victory by 1500th of a second over Tahiti. It was anyone’s race with only 1800th of a second separating the medals.
All in all a very good day in the pool for Team Fiji claiming 2 golds and one silver. That’s 17 swimming medals in these Games helping Fiji to 4th in the overall medal table.
Guam – Medal Delight For Guam
Team Guam have been teetering on the edge of the podium positions all week so it was an accumulation of their team’s determination and perseverance that Amaya Bollinger, the birthday girl, bagged herself the perfect present as she took silver in the 200m Butterfly along with a new PB.
“It went exactly how I planned it, I’m really happy with my time and I’m really happy I medalled, today is actually my birthday so I was really hoping I would get a medal”
The 17 year old registered the first medal for Guam in the pool at the Pacific Mini Games on what is a debut championship for her – it was only a matter of time really.
Teammate Mia Lee went close herself again, she qualified for the 100m Freestyle Final finishing 5th fastest overall. The 17 year old who trains with Amphibious Aquatics in Guam, was pleased with her 59.29 time.
“I’ve been wanting to go under a minute for so, so long now. And I’ve finally been able to do it. So I’m really happy. My swim team from back home, they sent me a recording saying, ‘GO MIA, GO SUB ONE!’ I think that really pushed me, that’s what I was thinking about during the race.”
Israel Poppe over in the Men’s 100m Freestyle narrowly missed out on a Finals spot in a discipline stacked with talent. His time of 52.87 had him 7th fastest in the heats. One place away from booking his lane in the evening’s Finals.
Jaden Francis qualified for the 200m Butterfly Finals with 2:22.78 and finished 5th fastest overall, a performance he can be proud of.
Team Guam will be extremely satisfied with their day’s work, they’ll be firmly in contention to build on this success tomorrow as the aquatics at the Palau Pacific Mini Games continues.
NORTHERN MARIANAS’ PRIDE KEEPS GROWING
It’s another proud day for Isaiah Roger Aleksenko, and the nation of Northern Marianas, taking home his fifth gold medal of the games. Isaiah claimed his gold in an impressive 1:58:59 in the 200m Butterfly. Before coming into the Games, Isaiah trained hard and kept his focus on his goal of winning medals.
“My preparation for the Mini Games was good. I trained hard and made sure to try my best for each practice.”
Isaiah keeps his words of wisdom short and sweet.
“Practice a lot, never give up and always stay hydrated and eat”.
Isaiah spoke about his motivation and where his support comes from when competing. He listed God, his teammates, family, coach and all the people cheering for him. He was particularly grateful to his mother saying,
“Honestly, what got me into swimming was my mom, she definitely helped a lot. I did want to quit a lot because as a kid you do not want to go to practices…but I’m grateful that I am a swimmer, it definitely paid off.”
Teammate Kouki Watanabe also competed in the 200m Butterfly Final coming in 4th at 2:17:82. That makes it his 3rd Final of the Games, with only the 5k Open Water on Saturday left.
In the Women’s 200m Butterfly, Maria Yamaguchi Guerrero finished the race at 2:47.83. It was the nation’s first time competing at the female Fly, so Maria has set the first National Record. Maria was proud of making it to the finals. When asked about what she thinks the secrets to success are, she gave a modest and humble answer.
“I don’t really have a secret. Get a lot of sleep and good hydration”
Maria’s final event of the Games is also the 5k Open Water, but the training won’t end there as soon afterwards she will be heading to the Junior World Championships in Romania.
Maria Batallone’s preparation for the Games was tough, but it stood her in good stead as she took 4th in the 1500m Freestyle Final with a time of 19:32:31.
“A tighter schedule was implemented which really challenged my ability in a positive way. Our team really focused on our best strokes which included distance swims and sprints.’
Shoko Suzuki Litulumar also competed alongside Maria finishing at 21:18:21. The 1500m was a challenge for Shoko, especially since it is not her event and it was her first time swimming that length. During the immense race, Shoko took inspiration from renowned Olympic swimmer and record holder Katie Ledecky.
Palau – the medals keep coming
Kazuumi Nestor once again delighted the home crowd with a fine performance in the Men’s 200m Butterfly Final. In his individual Finals he had placed 6th, 5th and 4th in the first three days. Today was to prove his turn to reach the podium as he finished the gruelling eight lengths in a time of 2-12.07. Joy for those watching as it was Palau’s second swimming bronze in as many days. After the race he gave an insight into the effort that is needed to produce that medal moment.
‘I’m actually really happy about this race. I came in this morning and took the National Record, my time in the Final was over five seconds quicker. I was just trying to survive. My hands were dead, my arms were dead. After the hundred, I couldn’t do the underwaters anymore. I did two off the wall and just tried to survive.’
Palau’s other swimmers featuring in the evening Finals‘ session were long distance athletes, Noel Keane and Erungel Williams. In the 1500m Men’s Freestyle they posted 17-52.13 and 18.26.01 respectively.
Noel finished a little outside his own National Record. However, that record was broken six years ago, and since then he has taken a break from swimming to go to college.
‘The last time I did this I was 16 years old and I’m 22 now and it’s been a couple of years since I’ve done it so it was pretty tough. I had a talk with my coach and my teammates. They pushed me through and they gave me a good strategy just to do my best. I did my best and I’m happy with what I did. I’m like, man, how do I do this? How did I used to do it? So I just went behind the blocks, and thought to figure it out along the way. It’s been a while too so I can’t be that hard on myself. I’ve been doing this sport for so long and I fell in love with it. I was like, you know what, this can take me somewhere.’
The fact that the Pacific Mini Games are back in Palau is also special to Noel,
‘The last Mini Games happened in 2005. I was about maybe three or four years old, and I don’t really remember much about it. Now 20 years later and Palau is hosting it. It’s so awesome and like swimming at my home court and I get to represent my country, it’s just an awesome feeling – I love it.’
Papua New Guinea – Double Medal Delight for Jhnayali
Day 4 of competition brought a new personal best, National Record and bronze medal for Papua New Guinea. All in a day’s work for Jhnayali Tokome-Garap. In the morning Heats Jhnayali Qualified 3rd and converted it into a bronze medal fending off 4th placed Mia Laban in the evening Finals.
‘I came out with third place so I’m really glad about that. I also broke another National Record today so improvements every single time I swim, I’m really happy’
Over in the Men’s 100m Freestyle, Josh Tarere had a strong race, narrowly missing out on a Finals spot finishing in 52.97.
Roxanne Kirarock, who is just 14 years of age, swam today in the Women’s 1500m Freestyle finishing in 22:12.60. She’s loving the experience of representing her country.
‘I think it’s a very big honour because I’ve always wanted to represent my country as I started swimming at a young age and I watched my seniors represent my country and it was inspiring to watch them as I grew up.’
She has a bright future ahead of her in the sport.
Papua New Guinea were able to sharpen their craft in the Mixed 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay in what was the Final event of day 4. Their time of 1:45.79 landed them 7th fastest overall.
Samoa Shines on Day Four of the Pacific Mini Games in Palau
As we approach the end of competition, Samoa can proudly reflect on its journey so far, adding another four medals to the collection on day four of the Pacific Mini Games in Palau.
Among those medals was a standout gold from Paige Schendelaar-Kemp in the 100m Freestyle, where she impressively shaved under 3 seconds off her preliminary time, finishing the Final in a swift 57.84. Schendelaar-Kemp described her mindset during those pivotal moments in the pool.
“You’re in, you’re out. So really just hit in, kick, and just get my hand on the wall first… This meet is just about getting that gold medal tally up for Samoa.”
That’s exactly what she did. But Schendelaar-Kemp was quick to credit those around her for making it possible.
“My support system, Samoa, SASNOC, Samoa Swimming Aquatics, everyone that’s helped me along the way to get here. So, yeah, [my] support system’s huge. Without them I’m nothing.”
Success also came for Hector Junior Langkilde, who shaved 0.32 seconds off his preliminary 100m Freestyle time, moving from third place to second in the Final and earning a well-deserved silver medal in 57.38. Langkilde’s mental approach in the pool is all about focus.
“I just keep telling myself to go fast, keep going… just go fast.”
Advice that clearly works, as he adds yet another medal to Samoa’s growing tally.
Pride was a consistent theme across Team Samoa, with Talia Saumamao stepping up for the 1500m Freestyle and smashing her personal best by 11 seconds. She powered through her Final in an impressive 18:45.23.
Beaming with joy after her bronze medal win, Saumamao shared her experience.
“It was really good. I was really nervous because I swam by myself and I wasn’t sure how it compared to the other girls, but it was really good, the splits. I was very happy, I just did a really good swim.”
But for many of Samoa’s athletes, pride extends beyond podium finishes. Their gratitude and passion for their nation shine just as bright. Saumamao expressed heartfelt thanks.
“It’s just so amazing. I’m really thankful for this opportunity… and I just want to thank Samoa so much for being able to send me here today and for this competition.”
Schendelaar-Kemp echoed these sentiments.
“…to represent Samoa means everything. Thank you. It’s a lovely thing.”
The day’s success was rounded off with another medal in the Mixed 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay, where Johann Roberto Stickland, Hector Langkilde, Nafanua Hamilton, and Paige Schendelaar-Kemp came together to complete the finals in 1:39.38, earning a well deserved bronze.
Team Samoa continues to climb the medal table, with every race, every effort, and every athlete doing their nation proud.
TONGA – Young and confidence
Tonga’s performance continued to strengthen on day four of the Pacific Mini Games, with standout swims and personal bests the theme of the day.
Among the highlights in the Women’s 100m Freestyle Heats were Tonga’s youngest swimmers, Alexander Villami (13) and Luseane Latai (14), who have already achieved so much at such a young age. Both went on to record personal bests and gain invaluable experience in the pool at the Games in Palau.
In the Men’s 100m Freestyle Heats, Alexander Villami impressively clocked a personal best of 1-01.02, improving his time by 6.12 seconds. Meanwhile, in the Women’s 100m Freestyle, Luseane Latai Limoni not only placed third in her heat but also achieved an outstanding personal best improvement of 3.16 seconds, finishing in 1-06.54. These swims reflect the spirit of the Pacific Mini Games, providing athletes a platform to perform, achieve, and grow. Confidence is shining just as brightly as the medals at these Games.
That confidence and composure continued to show as Finau Ohuafi, Carolann Faeamani, and Charissa Panuve delivered steady, refined swims, maintaining their run of consistent performances and showcasing strengthened technique.
Team Tonga concluded the day with the Mixed 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay, featuring Finau Ohuafi, Carolann Faeamani, Alexander Villami, and Charissa Panuve. The team posted a combined time of 1:50.33, finishing strong and full of determination.
Across every swim, Tonga’s athletes continue to build invaluable international race experience and grow national pride far and wide.
Vanuatu have a vision
Vanuatu have reached Day 4 of the swimming schedule where they can be rightly proud of their impressive efforts. Every athlete in the 8 person aquatics team has broken personal bests and/or National Records. On Day 3 alone, they racked up another three National Records and four personal bests. A reflection of the consistent approach and development that is focussed upon by those leading elite swimming in Vanuatu.
Importantly, this consistent approach has a much wider reach and impact for the future of aquatics in Vanuatu.
Swimmer, Pamela Mesa, reinforces this through her own backstory which highlights the importance of opportunity.
‘ t was a school activity, they offered free swimming lessons when I was in grade three, Then we started doing open water swimming and joined the Paradise Academy.’
Those free lessons led Pamela to her current enjoyment of swimming and the wider benefits she experiences.
‘By 2023, I got the opportunity in representing Vanuatu in the Commonwealth Games and I just never stopped swimming. I just love swimming. I make friends in sports and yeah that’s what got me into swimming. It has really been a huge part of our family lives since they’re there to support us. When I swim it’s just I literally forget about everything. It just makes me happy and having that thought in mind boosts me to do better. Swimming has brought me away from a lot of things that could have pulled me away from sport. But with swimming, I have kept myself, my physical health and mental health, I have kept it together through sports and it has really helped me with myself. I’ve made friends through swimming and visited countries through swimming, it’s really great.’
Day 4 in the pool was again no different for Vanuatu with another 3 National Records falling alongside 7 personal best times.
Léo Lebot broke the one minute barrier in swimming 59.10 seconds in the Men’s 100m freestyle. Leo trains in Australia and this time lowered his previous National Record of 1-00.47 set only last month at a Meet in Brisbane.
Elven Todman also got in on the act by clocking 1.05.17 for a personal best. He gave his reaction afterwards,
‘ I feel really good, yeah, because in the last few weeks I wasn’t doing any PB. So doing a PB in the competition is really good. So yeah, I’m really happy and proud. I think the mental side helps as I tell myself before each competition, it’s just 40 seconds in the pool. I just try to disconnect and just like give it my all.’
Loane Russet continues to have a great Games. She lowered her own National Record in the 100m Freestyle by just under one second, recording a time of 1.01.83, placing her in the top 10 here in Palau. There were also personal bests for Lou-Anne Delrieu, 1.13.55 and Chloe Ameara in 1.20.89.
Last up was the Mixed 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay. An event that the team don’t get to try very often. Resulting in another National record, a time of 1.56.25. The team consisted of Léo Lebot, Lou-Anne Delrieu, Elven Todman and Loane Russet.
Another bronze for New Caledonia
The long distance event of the day presented Luke Mercier with an opportunity to make an impression in the Men’s 1500m Freestyle Final. He swept home in a time of 16-47.22 to take bronze and a personal best which added to the bronze won on Day 1 in the 400m Freestyle. Shortly after finishing, he reflected on his race.
‘ I did a very good time. It’s my best time and so I’m very happy. I was really concentrating on my technique. It was kind of hard because the water was a little bit hot, but it was okay. It’s a super emotion representing your country and I love it.’
Clara Delunel finished 6th in Women’s 100m Freestyle Final in 59.61 breaking the one minute barrier with Yaron Nodanche finishing 6th in 51.72 in the 100 Freestyle Men’s event.
Tahiti – Dancing their way to more medals
Day 4 of the Pacific Mini Games brought a further array of medals for Team Tahiti. Lili Paillisse cruised to gold in the Women’s 1500m Freestyle nearly 1 minute ahead of the next nearest competitor.
Deotille Videau continued her rich vein of form taking gold in the Women’s 200m Butterfly with her time of 2:20.83. Iti-Heimaru Bonnard had looked certain to claim gold in the Women’s 100m Freestyle after qualifying first fastest out of the Heats, but an inspired swim from Samoan Paige Schendelaar-Kemp meant it was only silver for Bonnard finishing in 58.24.
Manea Teriierooiterai and Keha Desorbes could not be separated in the Men’s 100m Freestyle Final, both timing 50.79 exactly to leave a bronze taste in their mouths as they shared the final podium spot jointly.
Nael Roux most notably for Team Tahiti today took 2 medals, firstly with a silver in the Men’s 200m Butterfly before displaying his strength in the 1500m Freestyle taking gold with his time of 16:07.50, fending off teammate Enoa Vial who claimed silver with his time 16:27.42.
The 19 year old is a man of many talents, even having time for impromptu dance competition with Team Fiji after the conclusion of the 4 x 50m Mixed Freestyle Relay medal ceremony having just collected silver with his teammates, showing the lighthearted and friendly side of the games outside of the pool. Team Tahiti clearly have a spring in their step after another hugely successful day in the swimming.
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Words & interviews: The Reporters’ Academy. Photos: Ryota Nishida