Samoa's triathletes have returned from the 2023 Fiji Nationals Invitational with three bronze medals and five new Samoan national records that were made last weekend.

Multiple athletes also smashed their personal best times during the races held over two days in Suva, according to a press release issued late Tuesday by the Tri-Sports Samoa Association.

Simply making the trip to Fiji with 12 triathletes was a remarkable achievement in itself, considering the turbulent year the sport has had so far. A year that included an athlete boycott, an overwhelming vote of no confidence in the Federation president, the suspension from SASNOC, and the registration of a new triathlon organisation. Through it all the athletes have continued training with the support of their coaches and parents.

"It hasn't been easy," said Darren Young, athlete and Assistant Coach. "Trying to push yourself to do your best when you know your Federation doesn't have your back. But we kept going and the results in Fiji show how hard our team has been working."

The aquathlon was held first on Saturday 2 September where Samoa's team captain Gideon Mulitalo claimed their first bronze medal in the men's race. Patricia Brooks, racing in her first-ever international event, was placed fourth in the women's race and also set a new national record for Samoa.

Up-and-coming triathletes Manamea Schwalger and Kelly Alailima both broke their personal best times, showing their promise for the future.

The second day of competition was tough with the athletes having to race three times in a series of heats and finals. Darren Young took bronze for the men and Urlin Mulitalo took bronze for the women in the Super Sprint Triathlon. Both set new national records for Samoa.

Another standout was Simon Brooks who battled hard and was the only Samoan from his heat to make it into the Super Sprint final.

The Mixed Team Relay followed and while we narrowly missed out on a medal, the powerhouse sibling duo of Gideon and Urlin Mulitalo set a new National record for Samoa.

An awards ceremony followed the final race, where the Samoa team performed a beautiful siva to thank their Fiji Triathlon hosts and to pay tribute to the Fijian athletes.

"I'm really glad we came and raced the Fijians. They're amazing triathletes and I've seen what's possible if I keep going with this sport. Competing here has pushed me and also motivated me to keep training," said athlete Manamea Schwalger, when speaking of her experience. "I want to get better and one day, race them again and do even more than break my personal best."

Team Manager Lani Young gave a summary of the competition and what it meant for the team from Samoa.

"We had an amazing five days, raced hard against Fiji Triathlon, learned much, made new friends, laughed and celebrated with them as we raised each other up in the sport that we all love. We look forward to hosting them in 2024 at our Samoa Nationals."

"This trip was entirely self-funded. It's a special honour to represent our country as triathletes and the only reason we were able to travel and race for Samoa - is because of everyone's generosity and belief in us.

"To all those family, friends, businesses and donors from around the world who supported us with their donations, we say Faafetai tele lava."

"Most of our team are very young and very new to triathlon, first-timers to racing internationally, with much to learn. We return bearing a few medals, but there's other things far more important.

Our goal on this trip was to represent our beloved Samoa with respect and honor, both on and off the race course. It's our hope and prayer that in this, we were successful."