Team Fiji’s swimmers have made a big impact at the Pacific Mini Games in Palau by collecting nine medals, including the country’s first two golds of the competition.
Samuel Yalimaiwai sparked celebrations after winning the men’s 50-metre breaststroke final.
He finished in 27.74 seconds to set a new national record.
“It’s a great privilege to be here representing Fiji,” Yalimaiwai said in an interview.
“I feel blessed to compete against the best in the Pacific and to come away with a win.”
He said the result was the reward for months of training.
“I have been aiming to get that record and hopefully win gold today. I thank God for giving me the strength,” he said.
Yalimaiwai dedicated his victory to his family, coach and supporters.
“I dedicate this win to my parents, my siblings and everyone who has supported me through this journey,” he said.
16-year-old flagbearer Kelera Mudunasoko added more success with gold in the women’s 50-metre breaststroke.
She also broke the national record, clocking 32.62 seconds.
It was her second medal after winning silver in the 200m breaststroke earlier in the competition.
Other medal winners were David Young, who claimed silver in the men’s 50m breaststroke and Hansel McCaig, who picked up bronze in the 100m butterfly and 50m backstroke.
Marseileima Moss won silver in the women’s 800m freestyle, while the relay teams secured two more silver medals .
One was attained in the men’s 4x100m freestyle and the other at the mixed 4x50m medley.
