Savusavu swimmer David Tolu Young made history on Thursday by becoming the first Fijian to reach the final of a USA Open Championship. The 20-year-old, who is pursuing his studies at Arizona State University, achieved a personal best time of 21.92 seconds in the men’s 50-meter freestyle event.
Fiji’s swimming coach Sharon Pickering-Smith remarked that Tolu’s achievement is a significant milestone for swimming in Fiji. Young already holds the national record for the men’s 50-meter freestyle with a time of 22.15 seconds, a record he set earlier this year during the Australian National Swimming Trials.
“This accomplishment of reaching the A Finals at the US Open, against world-class competitors, elevates our national standard even further,” Pickering-Smith said. She emphasized that Young’s success not only showcases his talent but also sets a precedent for Fijian athletes on the global stage, asserting that this is just the beginning of great things to come.
Young’s earlier record of 22.15 seconds at the Australian trials underlines his rapid progression and commitment to the sport. The entire swimming community in Fiji is extremely proud of his achievements and inspired by his potential for future successes. This remarkable journey reflects the growing competitiveness of Fijian athletes in international swimming.
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