Piper Raho was the first Pacific islander to enter the heats, here at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships in Budapest, showcasing her talent and resilience on this prestigious international platform.
After completing her heat, Piper described her experience as “scary”, but she was proud to share that she tried her best, and indeed, her performance was a fantastic result. With a commendable reaction time of 0.74 seconds. Piper powered through the water with impressive split times that highlighted her determination and skill.
She recorded a first lap time of 15.84 seconds, followed by strong performances with split times of 17.30, 18.34, and finishing with an 18.14 for an overall time of 01:09.62. Hearing her final result whilst in the post race interview area, the delight on Piper’s face was infectious, a testament to her hard work and dedication.
At just 15 years old, Piper displayed remarkable maturity as she prepared for her race. The enormity of the pool space and the surrounding crowd could easily have been intimidating, but Piper kept her focus. She emphasised, “I was just focused on myself, and I feel like it was pretty fun and scary at the same time!” Such a balanced perspective is impressive for a swimmer of her age, revealing her ability to manage the pressures of competition.
Piper’s confidence was uplifted by advice from her coach, who encouraged her with supportive words: “You can do this. Don’t be afraid of the results.” This guidance clearly echoed with Piper, as she approached her race with the poise of a true champion, and her enjoyment of the event was evident in her smile throughout the interview.
Looking ahead, Piper shared her excitement for the upcoming races, particularly the chance to join her teammates in the pool for relay events. This opportunity holds special significance for her, as representing her country, the Northern Mariana Islands, at an event of such magnitude is a great honor.
It is clear that her participation at the World Aquatic Swimming Championships in Budapest will be a fantastic introduction to her international competition. As the youngest member of her team, Piper is paving the way for herself and fellow Pacific islanders in this competition. The world is watching, and Piper is ready to make her mark.