Thursday 12th December 2024
Day 3 of the World Aquatics Swimming Championships in Budapest saw an exciting first appearance in the pool for Team Tonga swimmer Carolann Faeamani in the 50m backstroke. Clocking a reaction time of 0.58 seconds, she powered through the first 25 meters in 15.47 seconds and finished the race with a solid time of 31.13 seconds.
While the result was just shy of her personal best, she remained upbeat. “I was happy,” she shared post-race. “I would have liked it to be a PB; I was close, probably 0.1 off, so not too bad.”
Representing Tonga on the world stage is a significant achievement, and she expressed both pride and excitement. “It’s definitely nerve-wracking, but I think it’s an honor to be able to represent my country and swim for Tonga,” she said. Despite the nerves, she described the experience as a valuable opportunity, calling it “different racing” and highlighting the joy of being part of a team.
Offering advice to other Pacific island swimmers, she emphasized the importance of preparation and focus. “Give it your best, work on the small details, your starts, and yeah, just try your best,” she said. Looking ahead, she and her coach plan to refine her turns and starts to improve future performances.
Up next, she’s preparing for the 50m freestyle with high hopes. “I’m going to try to get a PB if I can. I’m just excited for the racing and the atmosphere,” she said. All eyes will be on her as she dives into her next race, embodying the spirit of her team and her country.