For the first time in Fiji’s swimming history, three homeschooled siblings will line up under the national flag, not just to compete, but to make their international debut together at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau.
Sixteen-year-old triathlete Theola Kwong and her younger brother Thaddeus Kwong will wear Fiji colors for the first time, joining their older sister Charis Kwong, already a national triathlete, in a rare family moment on the international stage.
Theola, from Ra with maternal links to Rotuma, has been swimming for seven years.
“We started swimming early, when we were like about six,” she said.
“We stopped for two years and then we started again and we’re still going. We really liked swimming when we were younger.”
The siblings are homeschooled, allowing them flexibility to balance their studies and demanding training schedule.
“Homeschool and training is very flexible for us. We can do like school, work, go home and do some other things and then train,” Theola said.
Last week’s Fiji Primary and Secondary Schools National Swimming Championship was an important steppingstone for Theola as she prepares for the Mini Games.
She swam the 50metres fly, 100m backstroke, 100m backstroke, 50m backstroke and 200m backstroke, claiming three gold medals and one silver.
“Preparation is going good,” she said.
“We had early morning trainings. It was hard for the early morning trainings, you know, waking up early but otherwise, it was all good.”
Her main focus heading into the Mini Games is improving her backstroke.
“As of right now, I am working on my backstroke, that is like my main stroke. So, I am working on my backstroke and balancing with other strokes as well.”
Dolphin swimming club head coach Paula Cokanasiga, who oversees the trio’s training at their club, said they are now in the final phase of preparation.
“At the moment, we’re into our last phase of training. Right now, they are working on fine-tuning their race skills and strategy. Most of our workouts are focused on quality and race specifics, channeled towards their events.”
The siblings train every morning from 5.30am and again in the afternoon from 4.15pm to 6.30pm, alongside three gym sessions per week to build power and strength.
“It’s their first Mini Games and our aim is to finish top three in each event,” said Paula.
“Apart from that, personal best times will be a must for all of them.”
One challenge is the colder weather, which makes early morning training harder to keep consistent.
“Morning training will be a challenge for them in this weather,” Paula added.
Theola will also be competing in swimming alongside Thaddeus and the Fiji swimming team on the first week of the Mini Games.
Then both, Theola and Thaddeus will join Charis in the triathlon relay and later compete in the aquathlon, a demanding event consisting of a 2.5kilometres run, 1km swim, and a final 2.5km run in the second week of the games.
The Kwong siblings’ story is one of dedication and family support.
“When I got called up to be part of the national team, I was so excited but at the same time I was training for it, so I knew it was going to come eventually,” Theola said.
“This will be my first and my brother’s first international tournament. To make it more exciting, this is the first time we are all in the national team together.”
She thanked her parents and coach for their unwavering support.
“To my mom and dad, coach thank you for supporting me and being there with me through all of this hard work.”
The 2025 Pacific Mini Games gets underway on June 29 in Palau, with the Kwong siblings eager to make their mark for Fiji on their international debut.
