Papua New Guinea’s Josh Tarere took part in his final individual race at these World Championships, as he went in Heat 6 of the Men’s 50m Freestyle.
Ideally, he was looking for a personal best mark under 24 seconds. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be on this occasion as he posted a time of 24.73 seconds. As Josh explained he made a strong start to the race, ‘my dive was okay, and the water was okay but I lost my speed like 15 meters into the wall. I have to just maintain the speed back into the wall.’
Josh started his international swimming career in 2018 at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games and continues to impress with both his ability and his attitude to improve. He is calm in his approach to improvement and treats the ‘ups and downs’ of competition in a balanced way.
‘I did okay. Two weeks prior to this I was sick. I was under antibiotics which affected my form.’
Josh was given a scholarship by the World Aquatics in 2023 after his first appearance at the World Championships in Japan. Once again, he’s back on the world stage, so what’s special about these moments?
‘I love the relays where all the team can be together. That chance to have fun with my other teammates doing the 4×1 relay. I love being with them. It gives you the vibe of the Pacific Islander.’
Tomorrow Josh will join his teammates in the relay.
–Ends–
Written by The Reporters’ Academy