Thursday 12th December – After a great start for Team Palau earlier in the World Aquatic Swimming Championships, Kazuumi Haruwoniafangi Nestor stepped up to take on the men’s 100m individual medley in the third day of events in Budapest. This is not only Kazuumi’s debut event in this competition but also his first time competing at a world championship.
Embracing this new experience Kazuumi was full of nerves but it was clear the reward of the experience was worth it, describing how he felt in the lead up to his heat, “really nervous! I’ve never felt this nervous before. I think it was pretty worth it”. This statement certainly undersells the significance of his remarkable accomplishment in this race.
Kazuumi was second to hit the water in his heat with an incredible reaction time of 0.63. This strong entry was continued with powerful split times, making a fantastic first lap time of 11.93. He maintained steady skill with further split times of 15.07 and 18.46, and astonishingly, he found a surge of power on the final 25 meters, clocking a remarkable lap time of 14.29, dropping an incredible 2 seconds from his previous 25m. A superb result for the youngest swimmer in the pool, Kazuumi secured a total finishing time of 59.75, resulting in a new national record for Palau, making Palauan history by being the first person to complete this race in under one minute.
Kazuumi was beaming after the race, it was evident this entry onto the stage of world class swimming suited him. With maturity matched to an older and more experienced athlete, Kazuumi reflected that this level of competition “should be overwhelming but it was actually really fun. I get to meet a lot of my idols. It’s actually really nice to be here”.
Embracing the energy of the competition, Kazuumi shared some detailed thoughts on the delivery of results in a 25m pool and how Palau train hard for this course length. The 25m competitions are “harder than the long course pool because there’s more techniques for it – the turns and underwaters, those really matter. So for me, I like it, because long course is just a straight through swim, here you have to turn. I like it.’
With his technical skills reflecting his strong delivery in the pool, it’s clear Team Palau works hard and achieves greatness. When asked if he could provide any advice to young swimmers looking to get into the sport competitively he offered these words of wisdom: “practice every single day, don’t skip practice. Have fun in practice and make a goal’.
As Kazuumi steps away from the pool, the echoes of his triumph resonate not only for him but for Team Palau as a whole. Setting a new national record in his debut at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships in Budapest is a remarkable milestone that showcases his talent and dedication. His infectious enthusiasm and commitment to the sport serve as an inspiration for young swimmers everywhere. With valuable lessons learned and newfound confidence developed, Kazuumi is set to continue making waves in Budapest in his next heat later in the competition: men’s 50m freestyle.
MAKING WAVES FOR PALAU: CHARLIE GIBBONS DEPARTS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS WITH PRIDE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Friday 13th December – Charlie Gibbons of Team Palau finished his last race at the World Aquatics Championships with joyful success, dropping 4 seconds off his personal best with the finishing time of 1:01.95. A superb effort and accomplishment from the youngest swimmer in the pool.
Embracing his youth at such a prestigious international championship event, Charlie took to the pool with an incredible reaction time of 0.62, proving he is excelling in this technique as he repeated his efforts from the first day of the competition: entering the pool first, ahead of all other competitors in his heat.
With the maturity of a more experienced competition swimmer, he gave a reflection of his swim, noting that he felt his first 50m was too slow. However, with the strength and resilience of a true athlete, he pushed through the final 50m with great speed. His split times of 12.90, 15.48, 16.25, and 17.32 reflected this powerful swim and also suggested that his assessment of the first 50m was somewhat modest. Overall, Charlie was really happy with his time and said, “the race felt good”.
Having now experienced racing alongside the world’s best swimmers, Charlie proudly returns home with two new personal bests from his outstanding achievements in this short course event. Charlie offered himself some sound advice to depart the competition with and take with him to his next events: “I have to be confident with myself because if I have that in my mind, I can do really well”.
Representing the Pacific islands in these competitions is a huge privilege that Charlie acknowledges and is proud of. He was able to take comfort sharing the pool with fellow Pacific islander, Thomas Chen from Papua New Guinea in his first race and Jaden Francis in his final race. The unique experience of sharing the pool in both his races with Pacific islanders, coupled with the cheers from a supportive crowd really helped push Charlie to success. He was certain that this support sealed his success in the World Championships.
As Charlie departs from this competition, he has stored core memories that will stand the test of time, “I think that swim was my favorite memory. That’s something I’ll remember for quite a long time”.
Charlie leaves the World Aquatics Championships not only with impressive personal bests but also with invaluable experiences that will shape his future in swimming. His journey reflects the dedication and spirit of young athletes striving to make their mark on the international stage. As he heads back to Palau, the memories of racing alongside fellow Pacific islanders and competing with the world’s best will undoubtedly remain etched in his mind. “When you do something you love, you’ll just make great memories with people and have a fun time”.
With his new found confidence and valuable lessons learned. The pride he feels for representing his island nation is infectious, as Charlie looks towards the future, and the Pacific Mini Games being held in Palau in 2025.
KAZUUMI NESTOR ACHIEVES NATIONAL RECORD AND CELEBRATES PACIFIC ISLAND UNITY IN BUDAPEST
Saturday 14 December- In the final day of events for Team Paula, Kazuumi Haruwoniafangi Nestor swam in the men’s 50m freestyle. With his previous days success in the pool, Kazuumi maintained his composure and brought home another national record with a time of 24.20.
Kazuumi entered the pool with a reaction time of 0.58, a good start and only narrowly missed having the quickest reaction time in the pool, beaten only by fellow Pacific islander, Taiyo Akimaru from Northern Mariana Islands. The solidarity seen by Pacific islanders has been incredible across this whole competition. Kazuumi laughs as he remembers a special moment he shared with Taiyo at the end of the race: “most people would just turn around and look at the board but we both looked at each other at the same time”. Demonstrating the true unity amongst Pacific islanders in this competition.
Kazuumi delivered a fantastic performance in this heat, he had high hopes for himself in this race and left ever committed with a new aim for this next race. A demonstration of true dedication to his discipline. Kazuumi completes his experience at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships with great split times in this race of 11.73 and 12.47. With these results it’s clear Kazuumi has entered the world of international competition with strength, determination and honor. He also had the opportunity to be interviewed by a fellow Palauan journalist, Maya Bai as part of a training program with The Reporters’ Academy, further amplifying the support and pride of his home nation.
As Kazuumi leaves for home today, he can return with the pride of achieving two national records for Palau.
As Kazuumi leaves for Palau his achievements at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships exemplify the spirit of perseverance and unity among Pacific islanders. With two national records under his belt and a commitment to continual improvement, Kazuumi has established himself as a formidable competitor on the international stage.