Oceania Swimming Championships: A Tremendous Triumph on Home Ground for Fiji

Across the week, Fiji’s swimmers produced dozens of personal bests, numerous finals appearances and several breakthrough performances from both established athletes and rising young talent. Let’s take a look at all 23 swimmers:

Vivita Bai (18)

Vivita Bai reached multiple finals throughout the championships, competing strongly in the Women’s 400m Individual Medley, 200m Individual Medley and 100m Butterfly.

• Women’s 50m Butterfly (Heats), 30.20
• Women’s 400m Individual Medley (Final), 5:49.53, 7th Place
• Women’s 100m Butterfly (B Final), 1:08.41, 5th in B Final
• Women’s 200m Individual Medley (Final), 2:39.79

Competing at home carried both excitement and pressure for Bai, who spoke openly about the emotions of racing in front of family, friends and packed grandstands.

“To see the home crowd here especially when the stadium is full. It brings a lot of enjoyment.”

“It’s about enjoying it, especially in the moment.”

Following her 100m Butterfly race, Bai reflected on the mindset she keeps during difficult swims.

“Just touch the wall. It doesn’t matter what time you got, as long as you did your best, that is good enough for today.”

Bai credited her parents as major influences throughout her swimming career, particularly her father for instilling discipline and her mother for supporting her both as a parent and an official at the championships.

“My partner, siblings, and my seniors, Cheyenne Rova, Rosemary Rova, Matelita Boidromo, and Taichi Vakasama plus my swimmate Kelera Mudunasoko.”

Bai also reflected on how swimming has shaped her mentally.

“It taught me that mental preparation and believing in myself can lead to greater performance.”

Her advice to younger swimmers was simple:

“To believe in themselves even when things are not going your way. God is with you and if he has given you an opportunity to compete or swim, it’s because he knows that you’re capable of doing it.”

Grace Khelan (14)

At just 14 years old, Grace Khelan was the youngest member of Team Fiji and one of the breakout performers of the championships.

• Women’s 50m Butterfly (Final), 28.30
• Women’s 200m Freestyle (Final), 2:18.73, 5th Place, Personal Best
• Women’s 50m Backstroke (Heats), 32.26, Personal Best
• Women’s 800m Freestyle Relay (Final), 9:38.39, 5th Place
• Women’s 50m Freestyle (Final), 26.76, 4th Place
• Women’s 200m Individual Medley, 2:43.21, 16th

Khelan entered the Women’s 200m Freestyle focused on achieving a personal best and successfully improved her time twice during the event.

“It’s exciting, and somewhat daunting, swimming on home grounds.”

She repeatedly acknowledged the support around her throughout the championships.

“Keep on trying, never give up and God bless.”

Khelan also spoke about her faith and motivation.

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

Keenan Kostatino (16)

• Men’s 200m Freestyle (Heats), 2:12.33, Personal Best
• Men’s 100m Freestyle (Heats), 56.55, Personal Best
• Men’s 50m Breaststroke (Heats), 33.55
• Men’s 50m Freestyle (Heats), 26.05

Kostatino continued Fiji’s strong showing among the younger swimmers, producing personal best performances in freestyle events while gaining valuable championship experience.

Charis Kwong (19)

• Women’s 1500m Freestyle (Final), 22:17.22, 4th Place
• Women’s 100m Freestyle, 1:07.73, Personal Best

Kwong also represented Fiji in open water competition throughout the championships.

Following her 1500m Freestyle, she thanked her family and friends for their continued support.

“Thanks for always supporting me to family and friends.”

Thaddeus Kwong (16)

• Men’s 100m Backstroke (Final), 1:01.96, Personal Best, 8th Place
• Men’s 50m Backstroke (Final), 28.25
• Men’s 100m Freestyle (Heats), 55.30
• Men’s 200m Freestyle (Heats), 2:24.89
• Men’s 50m Freestyle (Heats), 25.21

Kwong later played a major role in Fiji’s relay success, helping secure bronze medals in the Men’s 400m Medley Relay and Fiji’s historic open water relay medal.

Theola Kwong (17)

• Women’s 100m Backstroke (Final), 1:13.75
• Women’s 50m Backstroke (Final), 33.29
• Women’s 100m Freestyle (Heats), 1:06.81
• Women’s 50m Breaststroke (Final), 37.93, Personal Best
• Women’s 200m Backstroke (Heats), 2:48.63
• Women’s 50m Freestyle (Heats), 29.22

After qualifying for the B Final in the Women’s 50m Breaststroke, Kwong admitted she had not expected to advance.

“I was closing my eyes and holding my breath towards the finish.”

Competing on home soil made the championships especially memorable.

“It feels amazing being on home ground with all the supporters and my family being able to watch me.”

Salote Leca (15)

Salote Leca enjoyed one of Fiji’s strongest distance freestyle campaigns.

• Women’s 200m Freestyle (Heats), 2:24.12, Personal Best
• Women’s 1500m Freestyle (Final), 20:52.07, Personal Best, Bronze Medal
• Women’s 100m Freestyle (Heats), 1:06.02, Personal Best
• Women’s 400m Freestyle (Final), 5:08.00, Personal Best
• Women’s 800m Freestyle (Final), 11:09.06, Personal Best, 6th Place
• Women’s 50m Freestyle (Heats), 30.06, Personal Best

Leca’s bronze medal in the 1500m Freestyle highlighted Fiji’s growing strength in distance events.

Hansel McCaig (22)

Hansel McCaig was one of Fiji’s leading medal contributors throughout the championships.

• Men’s 50m Butterfly (Final), 25.06, Personal Best, 4th Place
• Men’s 50m Freestyle (Final), 23.58, Bronze Medal
• Men’s 100m Freestyle (Final), 52.65, 4th Place

“The atmosphere is great. It’s good to be in front of family in the stands, and to race with fellow teammates at home.”

McCaig later became central to Fiji’s relay success.

“The closeness and the bond we have, we’re one big family essentially.”

Anahira McCutcheon (16)

Anahira McCutcheon emerged as one of the stars of the championships, winning three individual gold medals and a bronze.

• Women’s 50m Butterfly (Final), 27.37, Personal Best, Gold Medal
• Women’s 100m Freestyle (Final), 56.76, Personal Best, Gold Medal
• Women’s 50m Breaststroke (Final), 33.40, 5th Place
• Women’s 100m Butterfly (Final), 1:02.36, Personal Best, Bronze Medal
• Women’s 50m Freestyle (Final), 25.81, Gold Medal

“I feel super surprised actually, I didn’t expect to win a gold on my very first night.”

“I’m very proud to represent Fiji, especially at home.”

Marseleima Moss (19)

• Women’s 200m Freestyle (Final), 2:19.46, 6th Place
• Women’s 100m Freestyle (B Final), 1:03.33, Personal Best
• Women’s 400m Freestyle (Heats), 5:04.22
• Women’s 200m Backstroke (Heats), 2:38.98

Competing in front of the home crowd made the championships emotional for Moss.

“Seeing everyone in the crowd at home is really special.”

“Swimming is a really tiring event, but just seeing the crowd cheering for you always, is really exciting.”

Following her races, Moss dedicated her performances to her family and coaches in both Fiji and Australia.

Kelera Mudunasoko (18)

• Women’s 50m Butterfly (Heats), 31.78
• Women’s 100m Breaststroke (Final), 1:14.32, Personal Best, 5th Place
• Women’s 50m Breaststroke (Final), 33.69, 7th Place

Mudunasoko later contributed to Fiji’s bronze medal-winning Women’s 400m Medley Relay team.

Makalo Philp (18)

• Men’s 100m Backstroke (Final), 1:09.05, Personal Best
• Men’s 50m Backstroke (Heats), 30.19, Personal Best

“This is an amazing experience for us. This is my first time and it’s wonderful.”

Philp thanked everyone who supported him throughout his swimming journey.

Livai Raviko (20)

• Men’s 200m Freestyle (Final), 2:05.61, Personal Best
• Men’s 100m Backstroke (Final), 1:03.93
• Men’s 50m Backstroke (Heats), 28.81
• Men’s 100m Freestyle (Heats), 55.23, Personal Best
• Men’s 400m Freestyle (Heats), 4:48.26
• Men’s 200m Backstroke (Heats), 2:29.95, Personal Best
• Men’s 200m Individual Medley (Final), 2:28.52, Personal Best
• Men’s 50m Freestyle (Heats), 25.52

Raviko completed one of the busiest schedules for Team Fiji while recording personal bests across multiple disciplines.

Jeremiah Rova (17)

• Men’s 400m Individual Medley (Heats), 5:31.84, Personal Best
• Men’s 100m Breaststroke (Heats), 1:13.22, Personal Best
• Men’s 50m Breaststroke (Heats), 33.48
• Men’s 200m Breaststroke (Heats), 2:47.16

Rova demonstrated strong improvement throughout the championships, particularly in medley and breaststroke events.

Tilden Samuelu (16)

• Men’s 800m Freestyle (Final), 10:08.62

Samuelu also represented Fiji in open water competition.

“My younger sister was the first to join swimming and when my parents enjoyed the sport, they decided to put me in as well.”

Maki’uti Seruvatu (20)

• Men’s 50m Butterfly (Heats), 26.96, Personal Best
• Men’s 50m Backstroke (Heats), 30.53
• Men’s 100m Freestyle (Heats), 55.58, Personal Best
• Men’s 100m Breaststroke (Heats), 1:15.60
• Men’s 50m Breaststroke (Heats), 34.44
• Men’s 100m Butterfly (Heats), 1:03.10, Personal Best
• Men’s 200m Individual Medley (Final), 2:32.21, Personal Best
• Men’s 50m Freestyle (Heats), 25.33

“Swim smart and swim strong, consistency is key to greatness and as you go along the way, you’ll build friendships while enjoying the journey.”

Seruvatu also shared that he originally began swimming after dealing with asthma.

Che Taito (20)

• Men’s 100m Freestyle (Heats), 55.59
• Men’s 50m Freestyle (Heats), 24.98

Taito later became part of Fiji’s gold medal-winning Men’s 400m Freestyle Relay team.

“It was good to watch them swim, I feel like everyone outdid themselves.”

Reuben Taylor (17)

• Men’s 50m Butterfly (Final), 26.27
• Men’s 200m Freestyle (Final), 2:10.07
• Men’s 100m Freestyle (Heats), 53.63, Personal Best
• Men’s 100m Freestyle (Final), 53.90, 9th Place
• Men’s 100m Butterfly (Heats), 1:03.90
• Men’s 50m Freestyle (Final), 24.05, Personal Best

Representing Fiji at home carried deep meaning for Taylor, who later dedicated one of Fiji’s relay victories to his grandfather on his 85th birthday.

“Nobody celebrates harder than Fiji, that’s what separates us from the rest.”

Jonalese Vatubua (18)

• Women’s 200m Freestyle (Heats), 2:24.65, Personal Best
• Women’s 100m Freestyle (Heats), 1:04.35
• Women’s 50m Freestyle (Final), 29.30

Vatubua reflected on the support from the home crowd and the pressure of racing in front of family.

“One bad race doesn’t make you a bad swimmer, it’s a lesson to learn from so you do better in the next race or competition.”

Samuel Yalimaiwai (23)

Samuel Yalimaiwai delivered one of Fiji’s standout breaststroke campaigns.

• Men’s 100m Breaststroke (Heats), 1:04.64, Personal Best
• Men’s 100m Breaststroke (Final), 1:04.29, Personal Best, 4th Place
• Men’s 50m Breaststroke (Heats), 28.22, Personal Best
• Men’s 50m Breaststroke (Final), 28.26, Gold Medal

“It feels really special that my family and friends can see my swimming. I want to do everyone proud.”

“If you want to do something in life, and you really want it, you’ve just got to put in the work. Anything is possible.”

Tolu Young (21)

Tolu Young was Fiji’s dominant sprint performer, winning gold in all three individual events he contested.

• Men’s 50m Butterfly (Final), 24.29, Gold Medal
• Men’s 100m Freestyle (Final), 51.42, Gold Medal
• Men’s 50m Freestyle (Final), 22.82, Gold Medal

“I was trying to secure the gold for Fiji.”

“I was just trying to make everyone at home proud.”

Young also reflected on how special it was competing in Fiji again after several years away from major home competitions.

“It’s been a while since I’ve swam in a big event in Fiji in front of the home crowd, so I really enjoyed the atmosphere.”

Don Younger (19)

• Men’s 50m Butterfly (Heats), 26.58, Personal Best
• Men’s 100m Breaststroke (Final), 1:07.89, Personal Best
• Men’s 50m Breaststroke (Final), 29.46, 5th Place
• Men’s 200m Breaststroke (Heats), 2:43.74

“I was really struggling those last few metres, it was really a challenge of my fitness.”

Younger later explained that competing alongside a gold medalist helps motivate him to continue improving.

“Train like you race and race like you train.”

Jamesa Younger (15)

• Men’s 50m Butterfly (Heats), 29.15, Personal Best
• Men’s 50m Backstroke (Heats), 30.27
• Men’s 100m Freestyle (Heats), 56.70, Personal Best
• Men’s 100m Breaststroke (Heats), 1:14.61
• Men’s 50m Breaststroke (Heats), 30.96, Personal Best
• Men’s 50m Breaststroke (Final), 30.93, Personal Best
• Men’s 50m Freestyle (Heats), 25.49, Personal Best

At just 15 years old, Younger recorded personal bests in multiple events throughout the championships.

Relay Success

Fiji’s relay teams became one of the major highlights of the championships, feeding off the energy of the home crowd throughout the week.

Mixed 400m Freestyle Relay

Grace Khelan, Hansel McCaig, Anahira McCutcheon and Tolu Young won gold in 3:39.18.

Mixed 200m Medley Relay

Grace Khelan, Anahira McCutcheon, Samuel Yalimaiwai and Tolu Young captured gold in 1:48.59.

Mixed 200m Freestyle Relay

Grace Khelan, Hansel McCaig, Anahira McCutcheon and Tolu Young produced one of the greatest relay performances in Fiji Aquatics history, winning gold in 1:36.83 while breaking both the Oceania Record and Fiji National Record.

“The closeness and the bond we have, we’re one big family essentially.”, Hansel McCaig

“It’s great that we can all push each other and win medals.”, Tolu Young

Women’s 400m Freestyle Relay

Grace Khelan, Anahira McCutcheon, Marseleima Moss and Jonalese Vatubua finished fourth in 4:02.63.

Men’s 800m Freestyle Relay

Keenan Kostatino, Livai Raviko, Tilden Samuelu and Reuben Taylor placed sixth in 8:44.05.

Women’s 800m Freestyle Relay

Salote Leca, Marseleima Moss, Jonalese Vatubua and Grace Khelan finished fifth in 9:38.39.

Men’s 400m Freestyle Relay

Hansel McCaig, Che Taito, Reuben Taylor and Tolu Young won gold in 3:30.55.

“It was good to watch them swim, I feel like everyone outdid themselves.”, Che Taito

Men’s 400m Medley Relay

Thaddeus Kwong, Samuel Yalimaiwai, Hansel McCaig and Tolu Young secured bronze in 3:53.84 while setting a Fiji National Record.

Women’s 400m Medley Relay

Marseleima Moss, Kelera Mudunasoko, Anahira McCutcheon and Grace Khelan claimed bronze in 4:28.65 while also setting a Fiji National Record.

Open Water

Charis Kwong competed in the Women’s 5km Open Water event while Tilden Samuelu represented Fiji in the Men’s 5km Open Water.

Fiji also claimed its first ever Open Water medal during the Oceania Swimming Championships in the 4 x 1.5km Mixed Relay.

The medal-winning team of Anahira McCutcheon, Thaddeus Kwong, Marseleima Moss and Tilden Samuelu finished in 1:30:26.00 to secure a historic result for Fiji Aquatics.

Final Medal Tally

• 11 Gold Medals
• 6 Bronze Medals

The championships marked an extraordinary achievement for Fiji Aquatics and a proud moment for the nation.

Vinaka Vakalevu to all the athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, sponsors, supporters and families who contributed to one of Fiji’s greatest ever swimming campaigns.

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Thank you to Oceania Aquatics and World Aquatics continental support funding a new generation of Pacific Island reporters during these Championships, with eight trainees from Fiji and Samoa swimming federations working alongside The Reporters’ Academy to develop their skills, capture athlete stories, and share the voices of Pacific swimmers with a global audience. Photo credit to Andrea Schuster and Adi Nacole.

Source: https://oceaniaaquatics.org/a-tremendous-triumph-on-home-ground-for-fiji/