The Northern Mariana Islands delivered a fitting finale to their competition at the 22nd World Aquatics Swimming Championships in Singapore. Completing their final day of racing with two new National Records, an individual heat win and an outpouring of team pride.
First into the water was Maria Batallones; she lined up for the Women’s 50m Breaststroke and wasted no time making a statement. Maria dominated her heat, touching in 34.53, smashing her previous national record of 35.09 set at the 2023 Pacific Games and earning a well-deserved personal best.
Asked how she prepared for such a strong swim, Maria shared, “I was just thinking about what my coach said. I was trying to repeat it in my mind so my body could do the work when I raced.”
There was a strong sense of gratitude in her voice when she listed those who have supported her journey: “My coach and my parents, my team, my team back home, Mr. Hirsch, everybody!”
But Maria’s day was far from over. Just 17 minutes after exiting the pool, she was back again this time anchoring the Mixed 4x100m Freestyle Relay with Michael Miller, Piper Raho and Kouki Watanabe. The foursome surged through the race with focus and unity, each swimmer delivering a strong leg to bring home another national record time of 4:01.29, smashing their previous best from 2023 by over four seconds.
“I was very tired before the race, but I wanted to show up for them,” Maria said. “I’m very proud of them, and I’m glad we got the record at the end.”
In the mixed zone afterward, the energy was high and the pride unmistakable. “We smashed it,” Maria grinned and Piper followed up with “It was really fun!”.
Beyond the finish line, the strength of Team NMI was clear in the way they supported and lifted each other. “I appreciate our chemistry and the energy we bring to each other,” Michael said. “I’m really proud of this team.” Maria echoed that sentiment: “Good job guys on the races, and thank you for putting up a positive energy.”
The sense of belonging extended across Oceania. Piper reflected, “I think racing with the other islands, especially when we’re in the same heat, it’s really motivating because we cheer each other on and we talk to each other, so that’s really nice.”
As the team laughed, congratulated each other and recorded a final cheer, it was Kouki’s heartfelt reflection that gave the moment depth: “I just wanna say thank you. I’m gonna really miss this team. This is maybe me and Maria’s last World Champs we’re gonna be in. So I really wanna cherish this moment and enjoy the last few days we have together.”
Michael offered a final message of optimism and unity: “Good job this past week, guys. We have a lot more future together, hopefully. So don’t ever forget about each other and stay close.”
And with that, they counted down into one final huddle: “3, 2, 1… Team NMI!”
From the first swim to the last group hug, Team NMI’s team bond, determination and pride were on full display. They leave Singapore with rewritten records, powerful performances and memories that will last a lifetime.
–Ends–
Written by The Reporters’ Academy