Wednesday 11th December 2024
Vaoahi Afu has proudly made her debut at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships in Budapest, joining her teammate Finau Ohuafi to represent Team Tonga on an esteemed international stage. Competing against the world’s best swimmers, Vaoahi and Finau showcased their skills and determination, bringing the spirit of the Kingdom of Tonga to the forefront of this prestigious competition.
First to take the plunge for Tonga was Finau, who competed in the men’s 100m freestyle. Following a powerful race, he emerged from the water in great spirits. “It felt good to be in the water,” he remarked while recovering and catching his breath. His hard work and dedication paid off as he secured a new national record and personal best time of 52.16, a remarkable achievement that reflects his rigorous training and commitment.
Finau kicked off his race with a solid reaction time of 0.69 seconds, allowing him to execute a strong start. His fast-paced performance included impressive split times: he blazed through the first 25 meters with a rapid 11.57 seconds, followed by split times of 12.93, 13.93, and 13.73 seconds for the subsequent laps. His coach’s advice to “make a plan, execute it and have fun” rang true, as Finau radiated positivity and humor post-race. His mantra on swimming—“go out faster, come back stronger”—highlights his disciplined approach and serves as great advice for anyone aspiring to compete at this level.
Shortly after Finau’s spirited performance, Vaoahi stepped up to the blocks for the women’s 100m breaststroke. Understandably nervous, she credited her supportive coach for walking her to the marshalling area, which helped ease her nerves. “My coach told me to go out and have fun and do what I’ve got to do!” Vaoahi took this advice to heart as she dove into the pool with a strong reaction time of 0.71 seconds, setting the tone for her race.
Vaoahi demonstrated impressive strength, completing her first lap in a commendable 16.60 seconds. Her split times remained consistent as she propelled herself through the water, with times of 19.14, 19.88, and concluding with a final lap of 20.53, bringing her overall time to a fantastic 1:16.05, a new national record for Tonga. For her debut at the World Championships, this was a notable achievement and a testament to her hard work.
In an inspiring moment, Vaoahi found herself competing alongside fellow Pacific islander Kestra Kihleng (Federated States of Micronesia), which served as a powerful motivation during her race. “It was good and a challenge. It motivated me to go faster,” she shared, illustrating the camaraderie and encouragement that exists among Pacific competitors in the pool. Together, they showcased the strength and resilience of island athletes, elevating the competitive spirit.
Despite her debut, Vaoahi comes with experience from her previous international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games. With this background, she is keen to guide aspiring swimmers, offering the advice, “Try it and do your best.” This encouragement reflects her commitment to uplifting others in the sport she loves.
Looking ahead, Vaoahi is excited about her next event, the women’s 50m breaststroke, scheduled for later in the competition. She plans to prepare in the training pool with a focus on sprinting and diving, ensuring she is well-prepped for this upcoming challenge.
Team Tonga enters each race confidently, bolstered by the guidance of their coaches and the mutual support of their teammates. That morning, the team gathered for breakfast, discussing their racing plans, group prayers, and receiving last-minute advice to have fun and give their best efforts. This sense of unity and preparation contributed significantly to both Finau’s and Vaoahi’s successful national record making first day, setting the stage for more exciting moments to come for Team Tonga at the World Aquatics Championships.