The 2025 Triathlon National Championships were full of action, despite wet and windy weather in Mulinu’u. 20 athletes took part, racing for medals and personal best times on Saturday.

Fifteen-year-old Filipo Mulitalo was the first out of the water after the 750-meter swim. Close behind him was 17-year-old Tyreece Collins, the current sprint triathlon champion. It was a technical bike course of six laps with 360-degree turns in front of the Tanoa Hotel and then to the Sogi roundabout.

 A strong headwind had cyclists working hard for the 20km.  Wet roads also made it slippery, and two new triathletes fell off their bikes.  But experienced riders like Darren Young, Wolly Collins, and Australian High Commissioner Will Robinson rode well and started to catch up with the leaders. 

The final part of the race, the five-kilometre run, was where the winners stood out. Tyreece used his running skills to pull ahead and win gold. Darren Young, 54, used his Ironman training to race past younger athletes and take silver. Will Robinson, a winner of last year’s Apia Half Marathon, powered to the finishing in third.

The women’s race had more athletes than ever, thanks to Triathlon Samoa’s Tamaitai Tri program, which helps more Samoan women join the sport. Marking the comeback of experienced national Reps Manamea Schwalger  and Urlin Mulitalo after an Injury. 

Urlin Mulitalo was the first woman out of the water, but 18-year-old newcomer Fanaafi Ioane passed her on the bike and stayed ahead to win gold.  She delivered a breakout performance, which led to her first triathlon victory and a well-deserved gold medal.  While Manamea Schwalger finished strong, winning silver,  and Urlin won bronze.

"There was some fierce competition for medals, but also impressive effort from other athletes who set new personal best times," said Race Director Lani Young. "We did consider cancelling due to the wet conditions, but thankfully the rain eased up. Cyclists had to slow down their usual pace and take extra care on the turns."

Triathlon Samoa thanked the Samoa Police Bike Unit for keeping the course safe and the Samoa Red Cross volunteers for helping as medics.  The results from the National Champs are submitted to World Triathlon and go towards the athlete’s regional ranking.