‘My swimming has improved.’
That was Katerson Moya’s calm statement as he arrived in the Mixed Zone for his post-race interview following the 100m Freestyle Heat.
Swap statement for understatement and we’re close to the mark.
Anyone who has just picked up two National Records in 4 days at the World Aquatics Championships has certainly improved..
The time of 55.44 seconds lowered the National Record of the Federated States of Micronesia by 0.27 seconds. A record set by Tas Limtiaco at the Oceania Championships on the Gold Coast in 2024.
Naturally, Katerson was pleased with his performance.
‘It hurt but it was worth it. My coach just said.. just to go all out as this is my last race this week.’
The term – ‘No pain, no gain’ was made for just such an effort by the gold medal swimmer at last year’s Pan Pacific Junior Championships. As he explained,
‘Well, it just started well up to the last 15 metres and that’s when I was kind of feeling the pain.’
Nevertheless, it was well worth that short term pain and he went on to explain how such success was inspiring him for the future.
‘I enjoy being with these swimmers from other countries and I just want to keep participating with them. I’ve just applied for a scholarship to Bahrain and I’m leaving to go there in January so when I get home I’ll just keep training toward my last Junior World Championships in August.’
It’s been a tremendous week for Katerson. He clearly seems to have the qualities that not only help him swim fast but also to progress quickly in this sport.
–Ends–
Written by The Reporters’ Academy Photos by Andrea Schuster