Anetekini Croker of Veiuto Primary delivered a record breaking performance in the boys 100m backstroke, setting a new championship record as the finals went underway yesterday at Damodar Aquatic centre.
Croker achieved a new record mark of 1 minute 18.73 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 1m 19.09s held by Samuel Yalimaiwai since 2016.
Croker also represented his school across multiple events, including the 50m breaststroke, 100m breaststroke, and 200m freestyle, showcasing his versatility in the pool despite a demanding schedule.
Reflecting on his preparation, Croker spoke about the challenges faced leading into the championships, particularly with limited training.
“It was hard. We had to keep up with training. We had to close the pool and we had to try and catch up on training last minute,” he said.
His standout performance came in the 100m backstroke final, where he produced a record that stood for nearly a decade, marking a significant achievement in the event’s history.
Despite his success, Croker remained focused on continued improvement.
“It feels amazing, but I can do better than that,” he said.
His performance contributed to a strong showing from Veiuto Primary School at the Championships, highlighting the emergence of young talent capable of challenging long-standing records.
