Saturday 14 December
As Lanihei Connolly of the Cook Islands approached the pool for the last time at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships in Budapest, she was ready to make a splash. With determination and focus, Lanihei aimed to achieve her goal, stating confidently, “It was good, I was happy with the time. I wanted to go 30 point, and I did.” With pride shining through, she completed the 50m breaststroke, achieving a personal best – her second of the competition and a testament to her hard work and dedication.
True to the spirit of an athlete, Lanihei reflected on her performance and the potential for improvement. “I feel like I could have executed a few things better, but there’s always something to work on, so I’m happy,” she noted, showcasing her desire for continuous growth in her swimming career.
Entering the pool with a commendable reaction time of 0.68 seconds, Lanihei demonstrated her competitive edge against others in the water. She maintained a steady pace through her two lengths, achieving split times of 14.25 for the first 25 meters and 16.71 for the second. With a final time of 30.96 seconds, she met her personal goal with unwavering resolve, spurred on by the strong competition in her heat. “I always race the girls next to me, and it was a good way to end the meet,”
Reflecting on her experience at this prestigious international meet, Lanihei emphasised the unity and camaraderie among the Pacific islands as they came together on this world stage. One of her favorite memories from the competition revolved around time spent with fellow athletes from the Pacific islands. “Spending time with everyone from Oceania, I think we had a very fun warm-up area – Samoa’s always playing music, so always good vibes, always good times.”
Having secured two personal bests throughout the championship, Lanihei is now looking forward to enjoying her downtime in Budapest. With plans to explore the vibrant city and indulge in the local treats, she is set to celebrate her achievements while soaking up the rich culture and history of her surroundings.
Lanihei Connolly’s remarkable performance at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships serves as an inspiration to aspiring swimmers from the Cook Islands. With her sights set on future competitions and her passion for the sport burning bright, there is no doubt she will continue to make waves in the world of swimming.