FSM Swimming Team Shines at the 17th Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands

Honiara, Solomon Islands - 26 November 2023

In a week filled with fierce competition, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Swimming Team demonstrated exceptional accomplishment at the 17th Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands. The team wrapped up the competition with an impressive tally of three gold medals, one silver medal, and an astounding nine new FSM National Records.

One of the standout athletes, Tasi Limtiaco, who previously represented FSM in the Tokyo Olympics, showcased his talent by clinching three gold medals in the Breaststroke events and securing a silver medal. Limtiaco, hailing from the island of Chuuk in FSM, has been diligently preparing for future competitions under an Olympic Solidarity scholarship in Coronado, California, setting the stage for his participation in the upcoming Paris Olympics.

Kestra Kihleng, another remarkable swimmer from the island of Pohnpei, has been honing her skills at the Thanyapura Training Center in Thailand with the support of a World Aquatics Scholarship. At the 17th Pacific Games, Kihleng set an impressive five new FSM National Records.

Kyler Kihleng, also from Pohnpei and a recipient of the Olympic Solidarity scholarship, demonstrated his commitment to excellence by establishing two new FSM National Records during the competition.

Taeyanna Adams, an Olympic Solidarity recipient and a participant in the Tokyo Olympics, is currently training at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Adams joined her fellow swimmers in the competition and played a pivotal role in the success of the team. Together, the four athletes combined forces for two Mixed relays, both resulting in new FSM National Records.

The FSM Swimming Team, under the guidance of Head Coach Derick Daniel and assistant coach Susan Kihleng, has set its sights on the next challenge—the World Aquatics Championships in Doha, scheduled for February 2024.

The team wishes to convey sincere appreciation to the FSM National Olympic Committee (NOC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Olympic Solidarity Program for their steadfast support and generous funding. Grateful acknowledgment is extended to NOC representative Jake Scaliem and Team FSM Chef de Mission Sebastian T. Tairuwepiy for their devoted efforts in meticulously organizing and preparing the team, ensuring their well-being throughout the competition. Last but certainly not least, FSM Swimming extends heartfelt thanks to the Solomon Islands and the Pacific Games Council for hosting this exceptional competition in your beautiful country. The warmth and hospitality extended to us have been truly overwhelming and welcoming.

As FSM Swimming celebrates its triumph in the Pacific Games, the team looks forward to inspiring future generations and aims to continue setting the bar high for FSM swimmers on the international stage.

Photo Credit: Harut Sarian