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.”
Words & interviews: The Reporters’ Academy. Photos: Ryota Nishida