Fiji is set to make a notable impression at the upcoming World Aquatics Championships hosted in Singapore from July 26 to August 22, 2025. The event will feature around 6,000 athletes aged 25 and older from 100 countries, participating in various aquatic disciplines such as swimming, diving, water polo, and artistic swimming. Notably, Fiji’s delegation will consist of the Dolphin Masters, comprising ten former senior international swimmers, many of whom are alumni of the iconic Dolphin Swimming Club established in the 1970s.
Among the notable members of the Dolphin Masters are:
– **Sharon Smith**, a seasoned swimmer with experience in the 1982 and 1986 Commonwealth Games, along with participation in several Olympic Games from 1984 to 2008. She has served as Fiji’s National Coach since 1992.
– **Carl Probert**, a five-time Olympian (1992-2008) and Commonwealth Games representative, known for holding multiple Fiji national records and recently participated in Masters Swimming trials to rekindle competitive spirit among former athletes.
– **Tracy Powell**, who earned medals in breaststroke events at the Pacific Games, adds further depth to the team.
The team’s coach, **Paula Cokanasiga**, along with support from Angela Probert and the St Julian siblings (Charles and Josephine), aims to foster camaraderie and rekindle the competitive spirit among these veteran swimmers. Lyndall Fisher, Sports Development Manager at FASANOC, emphasized the trip’s purpose is to gather former swimmers for a fun experience, reminiscent of earlier competitions but in a contemporary setting.
Encouragingly, the recent participation of former Olympians like Carl Probert in local events highlights a growing engagement within the swimming community in Fiji. They aspire to enhance Fiji’s representation in international aquatic sports, and the Masters Championships provide an excellent platform for achieving this goal.
As the swimmers prepare for the championships, their participation not only underscores their individual journeys but also reinforces Fiji’s burgeoning presence in the global swimming arena, fostering hope for continued success in future competitions.
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