Four Golds and a Legacy of Determination
From early struggles to podium triumphs, Palau’s wrestling champions share their journey of grit, sacrifice, and national pride.
By: Faith Chen
In an electrifying display of perseverance and talent, the Palau wrestling team brought home an impressive haul of four gold medals at the recent Mini Games — a feat that has made their entire nation proud. Despite facing numerous hurdles along the way, these young athletes grappled with challenges both on and off the mat to earn their place atop the podium.
Coach John Tarkong reflects on the team’s humble beginnings: “It was their first time competing, so naturally they were nervous and lacked confidence. They had a lot to learn — how to lose weight, improve technique, and manage the physical and mental demands of wrestling.” Determined to prepare his athletes for success, John led them to a week-long training camp in American Samoa, after which the team returned home to intensify their grueling schedule.
“We trained hard — once a day, then twice a day,” John said. “Some kids struggled to show up early for the 5 a.m. track runs, especially when the track was closed and we had to train on the road. Others from Aimeliik, Ngchesar, or Airai could only train in the afternoons.” The challenges extended beyond training logistics. To overcome these, John generously housed and cared for two to three athletes at a time, providing meals and a consistent environment for preparation.
Their hard work paid off handsomely. Although the team actually won five gold medals, only four were officially registered due to a forfeit, yet the achievement remains nothing short of extraordinary.
Looking forward, Coach Tarkong has his eyes set on the upcoming Belau Games in October: “The more competitions the teams participate in, the more experience they gain. This builds stronger and more confident athletes.” However, John voiced a pressing frustration — a lack of designated facilities for wrestling in Palau. “We don’t have a proper place to train or to store our equipment. I ask the Palau National Olympic Committee to help build a dedicated wrestling facility.
Our athletes deserve it.”
The athletes themselves share equally compelling stories. Silver medalist Filimoto Carter spoke about the mental and physical demands of their preparation: “Mentally, I stayed relaxed and focused on technique. Sometimes it was really hard getting up at 5 a.m. for training, and attendance was tough at times. But we pushed through.” Reflecting on his victory, Carter said with a smile, “I felt relieved and happy when the competition was over — free from all the hard training.”
Fellow medalist Shawnlee Basilio echoed this sentiment: “It was constant training, staying consistent every day. Coach John and I had our ups and downs, but we shared every moment — the struggles behind the scenes and the thrill of every win.”
Their journey is a powerful testament to what passion, discipline, and unity can achieve — transcending challenges and rising to the highest level of athletic excellence.
The Palau wrestling team’s spectacular success at the Mini Games is more than a collection of medals; it is a story of unwavering dedication and community spirit. These young champions have not only brought pride to their homeland but also laid the foundation for wrestling’s promising future in Palau. With calls for better facilities and continued support, their journey is far from over. As they look ahead to future competitions, one thing is clear — Palau’s wrestlers will keep fighting hard, fueled by the dream of bringing even greater glory to their islands.