Tasi Limtiaco Shines with Second Gold Medal as FSM Swimmers Achieve Record-breaking Success

Honiara, Solomon Islands – 22 November 2023

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Swimming Team continues to captivate audiences at the 17th Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands, as Tasi Limtiaco secures his second gold medal, further solidifying his historic achievements in Micronesian swimming.

Day 2 of the competition began with Tasi Limtiaco competing in the Men's 50 Meter Breaststroke, following his monumental win the previous night. Limtiaco displayed exceptional skill, finishing the preliminary session with a time of 29.35, positioning himself in second place for the finals. In the finals, Tasi Limtiaco once again outpaced the competition, winning his second gold medal with an impressive time of 29.17. The FSM flag flying over the Solomon Aquatics Complex and the national anthem playing once again marked a historic moment for FSM Swimming.

In the Women's 50 Meter Breaststroke, Kestra Kihleng and Taeyanna Adams engaged in a close race. Kestra, the current FSM national record holder in the event, touched just ahead with a time of 37.00, while Taeyanna finished closely with a time of 37.46. Kyler Kihleng, competing in the Men's 200 Meter Individual Medley, finished 11th with a time of 2:28.94., showcasing his versatility in multiple events.

The success continued into Day 3, with Kyler Kihleng, Kestra Kihleng, and Taeyanna Adams showcasing their talents in the 50 Meter Freestyle races. Adams and Kihleng engaged in a closely contested battle in their race. Taeyanna Adams touched just ahead, securing a commendable 15th-place finish with an impressive time of 29.43, narrowly missing the FSM national record. The competition remained tight, with Kestra Kihleng, the reigning record holder in the event, finishing just behind in 19th place with a time of 29.76. In the Men's 50 Meter Freestyle, Kyler Kihleng finished 25th with an impressive time of 26.96.

The 4x50 Meter Mixed Medley Relay team finished 8th in the preliminary session with a time of 2:05.30, advancing to the finals. In the finals, Team FSM finished 7th with a time of 2:02.51, setting an FSM National Record in the 4x50 Meter Medley Relay for the first time in a long-course event.

FSM Swimming extends heartfelt appreciation to the FSM National Olympic Committee and IOC Olympic Solidarity for their unwavering support, covering the team's travel, accommodations, insurance, and travel allowances. The financial backing has played a crucial role in the unprecedented success of Tasi Limtiaco and the FSM Swimming Team on the international stage.

As the 17th Pacific Games continue, FSM remains committed to achieving excellence and making history in the world of Pacific swimming.

Photo Credit: Jake Scaliem/FSMNOC