Samoa Shines on Day Four of the Pacific Mini Games in Palau
As we approach the end of competition, Samoa can proudly reflect on its journey so far, adding another four medals to the collection on day four of the Pacific Mini Games in Palau.
Among those medals was a standout gold from Paige Schendelaar-Kemp in the 100m Freestyle, where she impressively shaved under 3 seconds off her preliminary time, finishing the Final in a swift 57.84. Schendelaar-Kemp described her mindset during those pivotal moments in the pool.
“You’re in, you’re out. So really just hit in, kick, and just get my hand on the wall first… This meet is just about getting that gold medal tally up for Samoa.”
That’s exactly what she did. But Schendelaar-Kemp was quick to credit those around her for making it possible.
“My support system, Samoa, SASNOC, Samoa Swimming Aquatics, everyone that’s helped me along the way to get here. So, yeah, [my] support system’s huge. Without them I’m nothing.”
Success also came for Hector Junior Langkilde, who shaved 0.32 seconds off his preliminary 100m Freestyle time, moving from third place to second in the Final and earning a well-deserved silver medal in 57.38. Langkilde’s mental approach in the pool is all about focus.
“I just keep telling myself to go fast, keep going… just go fast.”
Advice that clearly works, as he adds yet another medal to Samoa’s growing tally.
Pride was a consistent theme across Team Samoa, with Talia Saumamao stepping up for the 1500m Freestyle and smashing her personal best by 11 seconds. She powered through her Final in an impressive 18:45.23.
Beaming with joy after her bronze medal win, Saumamao shared her experience.
“It was really good. I was really nervous because I swam by myself and I wasn’t sure how it compared to the other girls, but it was really good, the splits. I was very happy, I just did a really good swim.”
But for many of Samoa’s athletes, pride extends beyond podium finishes. Their gratitude and passion for their nation shine just as bright. Saumamao expressed heartfelt thanks.
“It’s just so amazing. I’m really thankful for this opportunity… and I just want to thank Samoa so much for being able to send me here today and for this competition.”
Schendelaar-Kemp echoed these sentiments.
“…to represent Samoa means everything. Thank you. It’s a lovely thing.”
The day’s success was rounded off with another medal in the Mixed 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay, where Johann Roberto Stickland, Hector Langkilde, Nafanua Hamilton, and Paige Schendelaar-Kemp came together to complete the finals in 1:39.38, earning a well deserved bronze.
Team Samoa continues to climb the medal table, with every race, every effort, and every athlete doing their nation proud.
Words & interviews: The Reporters’ Academy. Photos: Ryota Nishida