Saturday 14 December
As the World Aquatics Swimming Championships reached its busiest day for Pacific island swimmers, Jaya Corder represented the Marshall Islands with pride in the men’s 50m freestyle event. Competing in a short course 25m pool, Jaya made the most of the moment, achieving a personal best and enjoying the incredible atmosphere of this prestigious competition.
Reflecting on his race, Jaya shared his delight: “It was an amazing experience. A lot of great competitors, but I tried my best and had fun doing it.” His focus was clear as he took to the water, ready to embrace the challenge of competing on an international stage. With commitment to excellence, Jaya showcased his skills with impressive split times of 13.29 for the first 25 meters and 14.35 for the second, ultimately finishing with a time of 27.64 seconds. A new personal best for Jaya.
The atmosphere in the Duna Arena played a significant role in shaping Jaya’s experience. “The atmosphere was amazing; it gives me a lot of confidence,” he remarked, capturing the vibrant energy that surrounded the competition. The cheers of the crowd and the presence of elite swimmers from around the globe created an empowering environment, fueling his determination to excel.
This event marked Jaya’s first time competing in Budapest and his debut at a world championship swimming event, making the experience all the more memorable. “Getting to talk to a lot of people, getting to know different people and definitely exploring around Budapest” emerged as one of Jaya’s best memories of the trip.
Now that he has completed all his races, Jaya is looking forward to enjoying the local cuisine. “I’m looking forward to breakfast here! I love all the food; their pancakes are delicious,” he said with a smile.
As Jaya Corder wraps up his experience at the World Aquatics Championships, he carries with him not only personal success but also invaluable memories that will last a lifetime.