Tasi Limtiaco Secures Third Gold Medal, Leads FSM Swimmers to Historic Achievements

Honiara, Solomon Islands – 25 November 2023

Days 4 and 5 of the 17th Pacific Games witnessed the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Swimming Team achieving unprecedented success and making history in the waters of Honiara, Solomon Islands, with Tasi Limtiaco winning yet another gold medal and adding in a silver.

Day 4 began with Tasi Limtiaco's outstanding performance in the preliminary session of the Men’s 100 Meter Breaststroke, securing 2nd place with a time of 1:06.29. The momentum reached its pinnacle in the finals, as Tasi clinched a monumental third gold medal for FSM Swimming with an astounding time of 1:03.60 in the Men’s 100 Meter Breaststroke. This historic achievement marked a triumphant moment in the history of FSM Swimming, with Tasi Limtiaco earning three gold medals during the Pacific Games.

Day 5 saw Limtiaco continuing to make waves, finishing the Pacific Games in the Men's 400 Meter Individual Medley with a silver medal. His 2nd place finish with a time of 4:44.99 brought the FSM total medal tally to an impressive 4, further solidifying Tasi's position as a swimming sensation.

Kyler Kihleng showcased his skills in the Men's 100 Meter Freestyle on Day 4 with a time of 58.73, just half a second off his personal best. On Day 5, Kyler swam the 200 Meter Freestyle, finishing 6th with a time of 2:09.65, advancing to the finals. In a close battle to the finish, Kyler secured a new personal best time of 2:07.77, finishing 5th in the finals.

Taeyanna Adams delivered remarkable performances on Day 4, finishing the Women’s 100 Meter Freestyle with a time of 1:07.80, a notable 3.46 seconds faster than her entry time, setting a new personal best. Continuing her impressive run, she participated in the 100 Meter Breaststroke, finishing 10th with a time of 1:27.47.

Kestra Kihleng, too, left an indelible mark on Day 4 with stellar performances. She secured a personal best time of 1:04.39 in the Women’s 100 Meter Freestyle, breaking the FSM National Record. In the Women’s 50 Meter Butterfly, Kestra finished 9th with another personal best time of 31.10, breaking her own FSM National Record. In the Women’s 100 Meter Breaststroke, Kestra set yet another new FSM National Record with a time of 1:23.56, advancing to the finals where she finished 8th overall with a time of 1:23.87.

The team concluded the competition on Day 4 with the 4x50 Mixed Freestyle Relay, finishing the preliminary session in 8th place with a time of 1:51.64. In the finals, Team FSM continued to impress, finishing in 8th place with a time of 1:49.77, another new FSM National Record.

This concludes a historic and momentous competition for Team FSM, highlighted by the exceptional achievements of Tasi Limtiaco, who secured three gold medals and one silver medal, making him a standout athlete in the Pacific Games. Team FSM expresses profound gratitude to the FSM National Olympic Committee and the IOC Olympic Solidarity program for their crucial funding, covering airfare, accommodations, travel insurance, and travel allowance.

As the 17th Pacific Games swimming events conclude, Team FSM reflects on this extraordinary journey with immense pride and gratitude for the unwavering support that has made this historic achievement possible.