Tyreece Collins crosses the finish line, winning the gold medal in the triathlon.
MEDIA RELEASE : The best triathletes from Samoa and American Samoa were put to the test at the National Champs and Invitational Races held on the weekend at Mulinu’u.
Staged over two days, forty-eight athletes competed in the aquathon event and the triathlon, testing their endurance, skill and speed.
“This is a massive leap forward for our sport in Samoa,” explained Lani Young, the Technical Delegate and Head Referee. “In past years, triathlon only ever had about ten people race at the Nationals, most of them ex-pats. But this year, thanks to the hard work of many, we have triathletes from different schools in both Upolu and Savaii and also a team here from the Territory racing against the TSA Development Squad and those in our Juniors program.”
The first event was the aquathon on the Friday, where athletes start the race with a run, transition to the ocean for the swim, exit the water, put their shoes back on and sprint again. A strong wind and rough ocean made the swim extra challenging. The Junior race, for ages 11 to 15, saw Filipo Mulitalo from the National Development Squad take the Gold for the Boys in a convincing win, while Charleen Pesaleli from Le Amosa School dominated the Junior Girls. A standout moment in the Juniors was seeing Uiatosunia Semo from Itu o Tane College, Savaii fight hard for Silver in a close race to the finish line with Viliamu Miai who trains with the squad from Afega. Both showed fierce determination and intensity and will be athletes to watch as they continue to grow in the sport. Lawrence Palepoi and Fanaafi Ioane took Gold in the Intermediate Aquathon for athletes age 16 +. Both just started training with the Development Squad earlier this year and have made great progress.
A highlight of the day was Urlin Mulitalo winning the Aquathon Open Women’s race and setting a new National Record for Samoa in 22 minutes and 45 seconds. Older brother Gideon and the reigning record holder for Men’s aquathon took Gold in his race.
It was an early start on Saturday with the Sprint Triathlon at 7am – a 750m swim, 20km Bike 20km and then a 5km run. A competition for Samoa’s elite level triathletes, it was fast-paced and a chance to see the best in action. Tyreece Collins from the Afega squad grabbed the Gold for the Men, matching his National Record time set earlier this year at the New Zealand Sprint Triathlon Age Group Champs in Napier. Last year’s Nationals winner Darren Young was a close second. The women’s race was a close one with Manamea Schwalger chasing Urlin Mulitalo all the way down the red carpet for a silver medal.
The most popular event was the Super Tri with shorter distances – a 200m Swim, 6km bike and a 1.25km run. It was the first time for most of the athletes to race at the National level and several struggled with adhering to the rules for the bike section. Officials handed out the highest number of penalties in this race, with two disqualifications, but it was all part of the athletes learning as they continue to develop in the sport. Filipo Mulitalo won his second gold while the team from American Samoa were a determined force, with Kelly Alailima taking the Silver. Alethea Schwalger who only started triathlon this year, won the gold and newcomer from the USA Elizabeth Heidenreich the silver.
There was a Masters category for the first time at a triathlon National Champs. Donna Ioane, Principal of Le Amosa School, won the gold medal for Master’s Women, setting the example for the students and staff. Peter Sexton from New Zealand was the Men’s Masters Gold, just ahead of Wolly Collins from Afega who took home the silver.
“It was important that we celebrate our older athletes because we want to send a message to Samoa that triathlon is a sport for all ages. There are some Master’s athletes who are fiercely competitive and even outracing our younger elite ones. And others who have found triathlon to be a great way to get active again and challenge themselves,” said Young.
The athletes were celebrated in a medal ceremony held after the races with additional gift presentations made to the visiting teams from American Samoa and the big island of Savaii.
Alan Schwalger, President of the Tri-Sports Samoa Association acknowledged the vital support received from the Ministry of Sport and Recreation.
“We could not have held a National Champs of this caliber without the generous funding received from the Ministry of Sport. We were able to buy a timing system so our results are more accurate, additional tents, tables and other equipment we will use for future races, the medals and more. The athletes have been working so hard to improve and we are glad we could host an event for them that’s more in line with triathlons overseas. It’s all part of our goal to grow local athletes and prepare them to race internationally.”
He also thanked sponsor Young Steel for setting up the event, and Samoa Red Cross and the Samoa Police bike unit for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the athletes.