By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
Koror, Palau — At just 15 years old, Craven Ngirchomlei is one of Palau’s rising stars in athletics, preparing to represent his country in the upcoming 2025 Pacific Mini Games. Ngirchomlei will compete in the 800-meter and 1500-meter races and may take on additional events depending on his coaches’ assessment.
Ngirchomlei began his athletics training two and a half years ago and has since gained experience on national, regional, and international stages. His athletic journey started in 2023 when he represented Peleliu State at the Belau Games.
Later that year, he competed in the Asia Pacific Invitational Cross Country competition in Guam, finishing a 5K race with a time of 21 minutes and 46 seconds.
In 2024, Ngirchomlei’s competitive schedule intensified. He ran both the 800-meter and 1500-meter events at the Oceania Athletics Championships in Suva, Fiji, clocking times of 2:15 and 4:38, respectively.
He also competed at the Asia Pacific Invitational Cross Country meet in Japan, improving his 5K time to 19:38.
Among his most notable achievements was representing Palau at the 2024 Micronesian Games in Majuro, Marshall Islands. He ran in the 1500-meter (4:41), 5K (19:38), and 10K (41:25), earning bronze medals in both the 1500-meter and 10K events.
Ngirchomlei’s personal best for the 1500-meter stands at 4:38. He credits his progress to his dedicated training schedule — practicing six days a week, sometimes twice daily — and to his coaches: Peoria Koshiba, Charley Ellis, and Albert Miller.
Proud of his teammates and excited for the competition ahead, Ngirchomlei said he is eager to give his best at the Pacific Mini Games.