Swim Carnival Success!

25 March 2016, 12:00AM

A successful swim carnival was hosted by the Samoa Swimming Federation for all young swimmers currently participating in swim lessons and squad training.  

Le Amosa Swim Club (LEAM) and Tanifa O Le Vai (TOLV) swim club battled it out in the swimming pool to showcase the swimmer’s skills from the first term of training.

“Le Amosa and Tanifa O Le Vai swim clubs have been consistent clubs in delivering learn to swim and squad training programs.  To be able to bring the clubs together and compete is the icing on the cake after a 10 week training program,” said Suzie Schuster, SSF National Coach.  

She explained that while schools have many priorities as well as the upcoming Easter preparations, a vote of thanks is given to the parents who have prioritized swimming for their children.

The competition was held at the Samoa Aquatic Centre late Wednesday afternoon and had almost 50 swimmers enrolled ranging from 4 years old to 17 years old.  

Club parents and the Health and Physical Education students from the National University of Samoa played the mandatory roles of Technical Officials so the races could be managed professionally.  

25m and 50m events were raced with tremendous results.  

The youngest participants were 4 year olds Summer Stevenson, Muamai Matalavea and Quezon Malaeulu who swam in the 25m kickboard races to start off the events. Other outstanding achievements for the 25m freestyle race were young 6 year old Nafanua Seiuli-Hamilton placing 1st in the 8 and under girl’s category.  

9 and under girls 25m freestyle had Asha King placing first while her competitors, Nera Ah Liki, Fa’anafi Ioane, Maia and Azaria Fabricious were first time competitors in the swim competition and completed the race with pure delight on their faces! 

“It was longer than anything I have ever swum”, said one 9 year old swimmer from Tanifa O Le Vai, “the race just went on and on, but I finished it”.

Stand outs in the 8 and under boys in the 25m freestyle were 7 year old La’auli Seiuli-Hamilton coming in first with Toariki Netzler following in 2nd.  3rd place was taken out by newcomber Enoka Matalavea. 9 year old boys category was dominated by another Seiuli-Hamilton sibling, Solomona, who is a solid competitor both in the pool and triathalons. 

Le Amosa Swim club won the 11 and under boys by Robin Faumuina and 14 and under boys 25m freestyle by TJ Taua, 2 very strong upcoming swimmers in the Le Amosa Swim program.

The 50 freestyle also had noteworthy performances.  First time competitors Asha King and Zara Timson placed first and second in the 8 and under girls bracket.  

First place Larafina Stowers (TOLV) and second place Emla Taua (LEAM) earned a Personal Best times in the Girsl 12 years bracket.   Aisla King dominated in the girls 11 year old bracket while Vitolia Tiatia (LEAM) also secured a personal best time in girls 13-14 freestyle although pulled second place to Andrea Schuster (TOLV) who came in first for this age bracket.

12 year old Durant Webster, another well-known name in the swimming and triathalon circuit secured first place in all of his 50m events and obtained new personal best times as well.  Other boys reaching personal best times were Gideon Mulitalo (TOLV) and TJ Taua (LEAM). 

Other notable first places in 50m backstroke is long time competitor Pitpola Ioane (LEAM) and Urrhlynn Mulitalo (TOLV) in their age divisions.

Senior swimmers had a dual role of water safety officers as well as competitors.  “We want to ensure that all the races are safe for all levels of swimmers therefore our senior team is on active duty assisting all young swimmers during their races as well as being prepared for their own races”, said Wendy Krause, Junior Coach for Tanifa O Le Vai. 

Ultimately, the seniors showcased their abilities in 2x50m events with Theresa Strickland-Lloyd taking the full sweep in the girls under 16 events and Brandon Schuster taking the claim in the boys 17 and under events.  

After 1 intensive hour of competition, 44 swimmers had competed, 12 newcombers joined the competition ladder, 10 new Personal Best were attained, 13 Technical Officials completed the events list, and the entire group had a fantastic time which equates to a very successful swim carnival!

To join in upcoming events, lessons and competitions, please contact Suzie Schuster, National Swim Coach on [email protected] or join our Samoa Swimming Facebook page for current events and information.

25 March 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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