FIJI Swimming is looking at a big team for Oceania Swim Championships as the host country.
Fiji Swimming national coach Willie Elaisa said the numbers reflected both ambition and opportunity, with Fiji expected to field a balanced team of 12 boys and 12 girls.
“We’re looking at a big team, and everyone knows what’s at stake,” Elaisa said.
Elaisa added that standards continued to rise with the gap between elite swimmers and developing swimmers becoming more evident.
“When the standard lifts, we have fewer swimmers at that level.
“But it also gives our younger swimmers the chance to compete alongside senior athletes, to learn and be inspired.”
Elaisa shared that over the Easter weekend, while much of the country enjoyed their weekend, Fiji’s swimmers gathered at the National Aquatic Centre pushing through heats and finals in the Open National Qualifier Championships.
“It’s about earning a spot. There’s stress, there’s expectation and for many, it’s their first time experiencing that.”
For Fiji Swimming, preparation for the Oceania Swim Championships is no longer just physical.
Visualisation, stress management, and balancing training with school and home life are now part of a swimmer’s routine.
“It’s not only about showing up to train in the pool, but also about handling pressure and becoming a more complete athlete,” Elaisa stressed.
Once the final team is named next week, preparations will shift into a more structured phase, bringing together swimmers from different clubs under one unified program.
Adding to the selection mix are overseas-based athletes, who will submit official times for consideration ensuring that the best available time represents the country.
Despite swimming being a minority sport in Fiji, the coach hopes the Oceania event will draw greater public interest and appreciation.
“Swimming is not as easy as people think,” he said.
“We hope people come out and support and understand the effort behind it.”
Competitors in the women’s 200 breaststroke at the National Aquatic Centre in Suva, on Saturday, April 4. Picture: ELIKI NUKUTABU
