Despite only being 17, Maria Batallones is one of the Northern Mariana Islands’ most experienced swimmers. The veteran of two long, and two short course World Championships, was competing in the Women’s 100m Breaststroke Heats on Day 2 at the World Aquatic Championships.
Maria completed her two lengths in 1-17.38. a time which added to the early successes of the Pacific island swimmers in Singapore. It was a new National Record for the Saipan based swimmer, smashing her own previous best by over 2 seconds.
Afterwards, Maria reflected first of all on her preparation for the race.
“My coach is back in Saipan so I was training while my teammate was recording me and then sent him the recording so he could review it and talk me through my race. He was really helpful. He told me to swim with confidence.”
As for putting the plan into action during the race; Maria explained that, ‘For the first 50, I tried my best to remember what my coach told me. I was working with my body. Then the last 50 is definitely all about the training I’ve done. Pushing myself.’
Maria clearly has a taste for World Championship swimming, her previous National Record being set at the Doha World Championships last year. Is there something special for her about this environment?
‘I think I’ve definitely got used to the atmosphere. I do still get a little bit nervous, but I think I’ve got my mindset for every time I go to a World Champs. So that’s a good thing.’
Maria still has the 50m Breaststroke to come on Day 7. She’s off to a fantastic start so we asked her, ‘After this result what is going to be a good week for you?’
Unhesitatingly she answered,
‘To end off the week, I would like to swim another record for my 50 metre breaststroke.’
— Ends–
Written by The Reporters’ Academy