AS the Oceania region’s greatest swimmers strut their stuff in Suva this week, one of these aspiring stars is a debutant who will be doing so while flying the noble banner blue.
Jemesa Younger, a 16-year-old of Marist Brothers High School, is amongst the few young swimmers who will be making their debut at the 14th Oceania Swimming Championship this weekend.
Nervousness is one emotion surging through Young’s mind as he prepares to take to the pool for the meet.
“I’m a bit scared because this is my first Oceania, so I’m expecting a lot of fast swimmers,” Younger said.
The young lad shares that training has been difficult especially in his capacity as a student balancing studies and being a national representative.
From attending school during the day, to training sessions at the pool in the afternoon, it takes hard work, determination and sacrifice to overcome these difficulties.
Younger, who was also part of the Fiji swimming team that took part at the Open Nationals in Australia and New Zealand, added he was hoping to break a national record for this competition.
“I think I could break the 50m breast (stroke) record for the open nationals,” he said.
He shared his mother has been his greatest supporter and motivator ever since he started swimming from the age of six and upon being selected to being part of the Fiji swimming team.
“My mother motivates me the most. She always tells me to train everyday even when I’m tired, but she always supports me, buying me food and takes good care of me,” he added.
