PNG had a great start on Day One of the 2024 World Swimming Championships in Budapest, with Jhnayali Tokome-Garap and Thomas Chen delivering explosive performances as the fastest off the blocks in their respective 50m butterfly heats.
A beaming smile lit up the mixed zone as PNG’s Jhnayali Tokome-Garap celebrated a personal best of 28.95 seconds in the Women’s 50m butterfly. “Going into the pool, I could feel my heart pounding; I was really nervous,” she admitted. “But as soon as I dove in, I thought, ‘let’s get this done,’ and I came out with a PB, so I’m really happy with that.” Achieving such a milestone is a testament to her hard work and talent, but Tokome-Garap hinted there was something more—a gut feeling that today would be special. “I could sense something was going to come, and I was really hoping it would be that. It’s pretty big because it’s a Worlds, so I am really happy.”
What makes her performance even more remarkable is that the 50m butterfly isn’t her main discipline. Her focus is now on her upcoming swim in the 50m freestyle on December 14, an event she considers her forte. “With the 50m free, it’s kind of my main event, so I need to be in the right mindset for it. It’s going to be a bit different in terms of how I prepare mentally this time,” she shared.
Comfort zones, however, have never been a defining feature of Tokome-Garap’s journey. Encouraged by her parents to try a variety of sports, she eventually discovered her passion for swimming. “When I was younger, my parents wanted me to try different sports, and swimming was one of them,” It was at a local school swimming club that she truly found her love for the sport “There was a club at my school, and I kept going back, training and swimming. Now, here I am—a competitive swimmer!”
To the other Pacific island swimmers who are yet to swim in this competition, Tokome-Garap’s advice is “Enjoy it! Enjoy the experience, it’s huge, take it all in.”
Later in the competition, Thomas Chen added to the team’s success with a personal best in the Men’s 50m butterfly event. Understandably, Chen was thrilled with his performance. “I think that was pretty good. Coming into the preparation for this meet, everything felt great, and I felt great. That race just now [50m butterfly] was a PB of 25:32,” he shared. Grateful for the support that led him to this moment, Chen added, “I’m pretty blessed to be here today and for all the coaches and people who helped me get here.” His words are a prime example of the Pacific island spirit of gratitude and resilience.
Reflecting on his experience of competing in a 25m pool, Chen shared his thoughts with a laugh “You blink, and you’re at the wall… It went by so quick.” He explained his mindset leading up to the race “For me, it’s about going through the pre-race routines, making it feel like I’ve done this meet before, so I can replicate it.” This insight highlights Chen’s focused approach and appreciation for every practice and competition, no matter the scale.
Post-swim, Chen’s plans combined relaxation and preparation in true professional style. “Head back to the hotel; sauna, ice bath, and relax the body. Tonight, we’re coming back here (Duna Arena) to watch the finals.” As for his upcoming challenge in the 50m breaststroke on December 12, Chen expressed confidence in his preparation during the gap between events. “This week, there’s a big gap between my races, so I’ll take some time to rest and then come back stronger.” He spoke of his next race with calm determination: “The 50m breast is my prime race; the 50 fly is my secondary. This was a good test to feel the water and the blocks, especially in a race environment.”
Outside the pool, Chen has been soaking up the Budapest experience, even as he adjusts to the colder climate. “It’s great! The weather is a bit colder than in Melbourne, where I’m currently living. The hotel is great, the food is great, and the people are great.”