Overview:
Palau marked a major milestone in regional sports as it hosted its first-ever World Triathlon-sanctioned event, drawing elite athletes from across the Pacific. Samoa’s Tyreece Collins and Northern Mariana Islands’ Lily Muldoon led the field with gold medal performances, while local triathletes gained valuable experience competing on an international stage.
Pacific athletes dominate podium as event boosts local triathlon development
By: L.N. Reklai
KOROR, Palau — Samoa’s Tyreece Collins delivered a commanding performance to claim gold in the elite men’s race at the 2026 World Triathlon Development Regional Cup, clocking a winning time of 1:06:44 across the standard swim-bike-run format. Collins set the pace early and maintained control through the bike and run segments to secure the top podium spot.
In the elite women’s race, Lily Muldoon of the Northern Mariana Islands surged to victory with a total time of 1:13:24. Samoa’s Manamea Schwalger followed for silver after a strong all-around performance, while Cook Islands teenager Olivia Postrzygacz secured bronze to round out the podium.
The elite men’s podium also featured Cook Islands’ David Robati, who took silver with a consistent effort across all three disciplines, and Guam’s Rynier De Ramos, who powered through the run leg to earn bronze.
For host nation Palau, the event marked a significant milestone, giving local athletes the opportunity to compete in a World Triathlon-sanctioned race against top regional competitors. In the elite women’s field, Palau’s Elengoi Gibbons completed the course in 1:24:03, while Lieslie Taksiau delivered a strong showing to finish fifth overall with a time of 1:15:52 in the elite men’s field.
Athletes praised both the race conditions and organization, noting that the competition provided valuable international exposure and a boost to the sport’s development in Palau. The event is the first of its kind in Palau to be sanctioned by World Triathlon.
Leah Asanuma, president of the Belau Triathlon Federation, said staging a triathlon at this level required extensive coordination, highlighting the role of community support and volunteers in ensuring smooth operations across the swim course and road segments.
Lani Young, Samoa’s secretary general and team manager, attended in her capacity as vice president of Oceania Triathlon and a member of the competition protest jury. She commended race officials and volunteers for delivering a successful event, emphasizing athlete safety and race management.
Young also acknowledged the leadership of Asanuma and her federation board in mobilizing volunteers and coordinating logistics, ensuring a safe and competitive environment for athletes throughout the swim, bike and run courses.