Swimmers Harry Egan and Nathaniel Nakalevu, representing the Marochy River Swim Club from the Sunshine Coast of Australia, recently participated in the Fiji Aquatics Age Group Nationals, which concluded on Sunday. This event, held at the Damodar City National Aquatic Centre in Laucala Bay, Suva, was a vibrant showcase of emerging talent in the sport.
At just 11 and 12 years old respectively, Egan and Nakalevu made significant impressions at the competition. Egan competed in four events, including the 50m backstroke, butterfly, freestyle, and a 100m backstroke. Nakalevu, on the other hand, participated in nine events ranging from the 50m to 200m distances in various strokes, including the individual medley.
Reflecting on his experience, Egan expressed excitement about competing internationally, sharing, “It feels very professional to be an international swimmer over in Fiji. I feel privileged to swim alongside exceptional athletes.” He also shared his journey in swimming, emphasizing that his initial struggles transformed into joy and satisfaction through committed training.
Nakalevu echoed similar sentiments, describing the atmosphere of the competition as “very friendly” and highlighting the friendships formed with fellow swimmers. He credited his early introduction to swimming by his mother, noting how natural the sport felt for him.
The team’s manager, Sarah-Jayne Nakalevu, commented on the benefits of their participation, stating, “Performing outside of Australia is exciting for them and provides a unique experience while also supporting local swimmers.”
The Fiji Aquatics Age Group Nationals continued to demonstrate the growing involvement of youth in competitive swimming. The Tritons Swimming Club emerged victorious at the event, and this larger platform promotes not only competition but also camaraderie among athletes, fostering a supportive community spirit essential for personal and athletic development.
As the competition continues to attract talented young swimmers, it reflects a hopeful outlook for Fiji’s aquatic sports scene, illustrating the hard work and dedication of these athletes as they develop their skills for future competitions, including upcoming international events.
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