Fiji Swimming has announced plans to field a large home squad of 24 athletes for the upcoming Oceania Swim Championships, naming a balanced team of 12 boys and 12 girls as the target for selection. National coach Willie Elaisa described the move as both ambitious and opportunistic for Fiji as the host nation, and said the final team will be formally announced next week.
“We’re looking at a big team, and everyone knows what’s at stake,” Elaisa said, underlining the federation’s aim to give breadth to its representation while still pushing for stronger performances. The expanded squad size reflects the chance to maximise participation on home soil, he added, while noting selection will be merit-based following recent qualifiers.
Elaisa said Fiji’s swimming standards are rising, producing a clearer divide between elite swimmers and those still developing. “When the standard lifts, we have fewer swimmers at that level,” he said, but added the wider team approach gives younger athletes valuable exposure. Competing alongside senior athletes, he said, offers learning opportunities and inspiration that cannot be replicated in training alone.
This week’s development follows the Open National Qualifier Championships staged over the Easter weekend at the National Aquatic Centre in Suva, where club swimmers pushed through heats and finals to stake their claims. Elaisa described the meet as a pressure test for many athletes: “It’s about earning a spot. There’s stress, there’s expectation and for many, it’s their first time experiencing that.” The qualifiers included events such as the women’s 200m breaststroke on Saturday, April 4.
Preparation for the Oceania meet is shifting beyond physical training to include mental skills and life-balance strategies. Fiji Swimming has incorporated visualisation and stress-management techniques into athlete routines and is emphasising how swimmers juggle training with school and home responsibilities. “It’s not only about showing up to train in the pool, but also about handling pressure and becoming a more complete athlete,” Elaisa said.
Once the final team is named next week, the coaching staff will move into a more structured phase, bringing swimmers from different clubs together under a unified program ahead of the regional competition. The selection process will also consider overseas-based athletes who submit official times, ensuring the federation can pick the best-available performances regardless of where swimmers are based.
As host nation, Fiji is hoping the Oceania Swim Championships will lift the sport’s profile locally. Elaisa appealed for public support and recognition of the athletes’ commitment. “Swimming is not as easy as people think,” he said. “We hope people come out and support and understand the effort behind it.”
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