Saturday 14 December
As the World Aquatics Swimming Championships in Budapest reached the penultimate day of races, Tolu Young represented the Pacific island nation of Fiji with pride and determination in the men’s 50m freestyle. Competing in a short course 25m pool, Tolu delivered a second impressive performance in this world class competition.
Approaching the pool for what would be his final race of the competition, Tolu felt a mix of excitement and nerves. “It felt good; it’s the last one. A bit of nerves coming in, swam through it,” reflecting on the emotions that accompany any athlete in a high-stakes environment.
Tolu launched into the water, achieving an impressive reaction time of 0.63 seconds. His intent was evident as he executed his strategy with precision. Clocking in split times of 10.32 for the first 25 meters and 11.38 for the second lap, Tolu finished strong with a personal best time of 21.70 – a result that left him pleased with this effort. “I am definitely happy with it,” he remarked, emphasising the thrill of setting a personal record.
Now that he has completed all his races, Tolu took a moment to reflect on his experiences throughout the competition. “Looking back I was definitely happy,” he said with pride.
One of Tolu’s favorite memories from the World Championships was the camaraderie he experienced with fellow swimmers at the competition. “Just being in the atmosphere with all the other athletes and having fun all together, swimming and racing hard,” he recalled, highlighting the importance of these international meets, not just for competition but for unity amongst the teams and Oceania nations.
In preparing for his races, Tolu embraces a routine that focuses on mental visualisation. He also incorporates a specific stretching technique as he approaches the blocks, which helps him settle his nerves and focus his energy.
As Tolu concluded his participation in the World Aquatics Swimming Championships, he left with a personal best and valuable experiences. His journey exemplifies the spirit of resilience and dedication — qualities that define the swimmer from the Pacific islands.