On Dec. 6, 2022, the international governing body for swimming – FINA President Husain Al Musallam, Vice-President Antonio Silva, and Bureau Member Josip Varvodic, along with 2 staff members visited Palau on the first stop of their Oceania tour en route to Melbourne, Australia for the FINA short course World Championships. This was a momentous moment for Palau Swimming on the international swimming stage as this was the first time that a FINA delegation has visited Palau and Oceania. During their short visit, the FINA President and delegation were able to meet with H.E. President Surangel Whipps Jr., Palau National Olympic Committee (PNOC) President Frank Kyota, Vice-President Temmy Smull, Secretary General Baklai Temengil, Palau Swimming Association (PSA) President Judy Otto, and PSA Board members. During their visit, the delegation discussed FINA’s ‘Learn-2-Swim’, ‘Swimming for All-Swimming for Life’ Programs, and the development of water polo and diving. While on island, the delegation visited the Palau National Swimming Pool and met national team swimmers who shared their swimming experiences. The FINA delegation graciously signed some of the swimmers’ gear. As they bid farewell, the delegation wished the Team Palau swimmers and coach best of luck at the upcoming FINA short course World Championships. Team Palau departed on Dec 7 to Melbourne, Australia to attend a training camp before competition begins on Dec. 13. Representing Palau is Lisa Ruluked, Galyah Mikel, Travis Sakurai, and Shawn Wallace with Head Coach Jimmy Jonas Jr and PSA President, Judy Otto.
