Overview:
🏊🇵🇼 The Palau Swim Team is making a splash at the regional championships after setting multiple national records in the opening two days of competition. Charlie Gibbons, Kazuumi Nestor and Jion Hosei led Palau’s strong performances with several finals appearances and record-breaking swims. #PalauSwimming #TeamPalau #PacificSports
Charlie Gibbons and Kazuumi Nestor lead strong opening performances as Palau advances to several finals
SUVA, Fiji (May 11, 2026) The Palau Swim Team opened the regional swimming championships with a series of record-breaking performances and multiple finals appearances during the first two days of competition held May 9-13.
Representing Palau at the regional meet are Yuri Hosei, Galyah Mikel, Hanna Ruluked, Charlie Gibbons, Travis Sakurai, Jion Hosei, Kazuumi Nestor and Shawn Wallace.
Palau made an immediate impact on Day One as Charlie Gibbons advanced to the finals in both the 50-meter butterfly and 200-meter freestyle events. Gibbons also set a new Palau national record in the 50m butterfly with a time of 26.25 seconds.
Kazuumi Nestor added another strong showing for Palau by qualifying for the finals in the 100m backstroke while breaking the national record with a time of 1:01.58.
The momentum carried into Day Two as Palau swimmers secured more spots in the finals. Gibbons qualified for the 100m freestyle final, while Nestor advanced in the 50m backstroke. Jion Hosei also earned a place in the finals of the 100m breaststroke.
Palau added two more national records during Day Two competition. Nestor established another national best in the 50m backstroke, while Hosei set a new Palau record in the 100m breaststroke.
With several days remaining before the championships conclude on May 13, the Palau Swim Team continues to showcase its growing talent and competitive progress on the regional stage.