At the 2025 National Schools Age Group Swimming Championships, Thaddeus Albert Kwong, a talented homeschool swimmer, achieved remarkable success by breaking two national records in the 50m backstroke and 50m butterfly events. Thaddeus clocked an impressive time of 28.99 seconds in the 50m backstroke, surpassing the previous record of 29.73 seconds set by Samuela Yalimaiwai in 2019. He then shattered a decade-old record in the 50m butterfly, finishing at 27.23 seconds and outpacing Viliame Takayawa’s record of 27.49 seconds.
Thaddeus, along with his sisters Theola and Charis Kwong, is preparing to represent Fiji at the upcoming Pacific Mini Games in Palau this June, showcasing the family’s collective talent in sports. The Kwong siblings have been homeschooled through the ACE program, allowing them to balance their academic pursuits with their athletic commitments, demonstrating the effectiveness of personalized education in fostering high achievement in sports.
This accomplishment highlights not only Thaddeus’s individual talent but also the growing strength of Fiji’s swimming community, as seen in earlier events such as the Fiji Aquatics Open Nationals where other young athletes, like Grace Khelan, also set new records. The achievements of these athletes signal a hopeful future for swimming in Fiji, inspiring enthusiasm and commitment within the sport.
The dedication of young athletes like the Kwong siblings serves as a powerful example to aspiring swimmers and the wider community, showcasing how hard work and family support can lead to remarkable accomplishments on both national and international stages. The excitement in the swimming community as they prepare for the Mini Games reflects a collective spirit of ambition and perseverance, promising further milestones for Fiji’s representation in sports.
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