Team is welcomed home at the airport.
MEDIA RELEASE : Samoa’s triathletes have returned from the 2023 Fiji Nationals Invitational with three Bronze medals, and five new National Records set for Samoa.
Multiple athletes also smashed their personal best times during the races held over two days in Suva.
Simply making the trip to Fiji with 12 triathletes was a remarkable achievement in itself, considering the turbulent year the sport has had so far.
A year that’s included an athlete boycott, an overwhelming vote of no confidence in the Federation president, the suspension from SASNOC, and the registration of a new triathlon organisation.
Through it all the athletes have continued training with the support of their coaches and parents.
“It hasn’t been easy,” said Darren Young, athlete and Assistant Coach.
“Trying to push yourself to do your best when you know your Federation doesnt have your back. But we kept going and the results in Fiji show how hard our team has been working.”
The aquathon was held first on Saturday 2nd September where Samoa’s team captain Gideon Mulitalo claimed their first Bronze medal in the men’s race. Patricia Brooks, racing in her first ever international event, placed 4th in the womens race, and also set a new National record for Samoa.
Urlin Mulitalo, Bronze medalist at the awards ceremony.
Up and coming triathletes Manamea Schwalger and Kelly Alailima both broke their personal best times, showing their promise for the future.
The second day of competition was tough with the athletes having to race three times in a series of heats and finals.
Patricia Brooks on the bike in the super sprint triathlon, racing around Albert Park, Suva.
Darren Young took Bronze for the men and Urlin Mulitalo took Bronze for the women in the Super Sprint Triathlon. Both set new National records for Samoa.
Another standout was Simon Brooks who battled hard and was the only Samoan from his heat to make it into the Super Sprint final.
The Mixed Team Relay followed and while we narrowly missed out on a medal, the powerhouse sibling duo of Gideon and Urlin Mulitalo set a new National record for Samoa.
An awards ceremony followed the final race, where the Samoa team performed a beautiful siva to thank their Fiji Triathlon hosts and to pay tribute to the Fijian athletes.
Athlete Manamea Schwalger said of her experience, “I’m really glad we came and raced the Fijians. They’re amazing triathletes and I’ve seen what’s possible if I keep going with this sport.
“Competing here has pushed me and also motivated me to keep training. I want to get better and one day, race them again and do even more than break my personal best.”
Team Manager Lani Young said of the competition, “We had an amazing five days, raced hard against Fiji Triathlon, learned much, made new friends, laughed and celebrated with them as we raised each other up in the sport that we all love.
“We look forward to hosting them in 2024 at our Samoa Nationals.”
Young also acknowledged their supporters.
Fiji National Coach, Angus Pattie briefs the athletes before the race.
“This trip was entirely self-funded. It’s a special honor to represent our country as triathletes and the only reason we were able to travel and race for Samoa – is because of everyone’s generosity and belief in us. To all those family, friends, businesses and donors from around the world who supported us with their donations, we say Faafetai tele lava.”
“Most of our team are very young and very new to triathlon, first-timers to racing internationally, with much to learn. We return bearing a few medals, but theres other things far more important. Our goal on this trip was to represent our beloved Samoa with respect and honor, both on and off the race course. It’s our hope and prayer that in this, we were successful.”