Friday 13 December
Budapest played host to exhilarating performances at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships, where Jacob Story represented the Cook Islands with pride and determination. In his final race of the competition, Jacob showcased both skill and resilience, finishing strong while setting a new national record and personal best in the process.
As the youngest swimmer in his heat, Jacob embraced the opportunity to compete on such a prestigious stage. “It felt like how I normally swim, so that was good,” he remarked, reflecting on the familiarity of the competition even in the face of international pressure. With a strong mental focus, Jacob prepared himself for the race with a positive attitude, stating, “Mentally, I think I was ready; physically, I was ready too.”
His confidence was rooted in diligent training and preparation, which he credited as vital for his success. “I just keep reminding myself that I put a lot into my training, did good preparation, so just mentally keep believing in myself and telling myself that I was ready for this,” Jacob shared, highlighting the importance of self-belief in the face of immense pressure.
Taking to the water with conviction, Jacob achieved impressive split times throughout his race: his first 25 meters clocked in at 13.98 seconds, and he reached the 100m halfway point in 1:04.88. Completing his heat a remarkable time of 2:14.33, reflecting his dedication and skill as he concluded his championship experience in Budapest.
Following his swim, Jacob’s reaction was one of pride and accomplishment. “I’m pretty proud of myself stepping up onto that stage and giving it my best. I know that I put 100% into it, and I couldn’t have done any better,” he expressed, underscoring not only the physical achievements but also the emotional journey of competing at such a high level.
Jacob’s performance at the World Championships serves as a testament to the hard work and determination that the young Pacific island swimmer brought to the global stage. By setting a new national record for the Cook Islands, Jacob has not only left his mark in the pool but also inspired future generations of swimmers from his island nation.
As he prepares to return home, looking forward to his Christmas break, Jacob is committed to continuing his journey in the sport, bringing his experience and newfound confidence with him.