With just days to go before the 2025 Pacific Mini Games, Fiji’s national swimming team is making final adjustments before flying out to Palau.
The team of 16 swimmers and two reserves will represent Fiji in Koror from June 29 to July 9, hoping to deliver strong results in the pool after months of preparation.
Head coach Willie Elaisa said the squad showed promising signs at their final local meet, with several swimmers posting their best times.
“That meet gave us the confidence we needed,” he said.
“Now it’s just about fine-tuning and keeping them sharp before we head off.”
Leading the team are experienced swimmers Hansel McCaig, Samuel Yalimaiwai, Patrica Verebasaga and Marseleima Moss, alongside national reps like Imelda Smith and Livai Raviko.
Elaisa said the key now is staying focused and sticking to what they’ve trained for.
“At this stage, it’s all about trusting the process. Each swimmer knows what they need to do. If they stay locked in, they’ll be ready when they hit the water,” he said.
He also acknowledged the backing of Swimming Fiji and other partners, who helped ease the financial burden of getting the team to Palau.
“We’re grateful that most of our levies were sorted early,” he said.
“That really allowed us to focus purely on training and preparation.”
Team Fiji will hold its final assembly in Suva today before the first group of athletes departs on June 27.
The swimming team will be among the first to arrive for the regional meet.
