KOROR, Palau — The 2025 Pacific Mini Games concluded with the Women’s 5K Open Water Swim, one of the longest and most demanding events of the competition. Among the determined athletes pushing through fatigue and open-sea currents was Palau’s own Yuri Hosei, who proudly represented the host nation.
Hosei, 20, was the only Palauan swimmer in the women’s open water event. She completed the 5-kilometer swim with a strong time of 1:19:35.00, closing out her 11-event campaign at the Games. Her performance adds a meaningful new chapter to Palau’s sporting history and serves as an inspiration for young athletes across the country.
Tahiti dominated the event, claiming gold and silver. Lili Paillisse led the field with a time of 1:00:46.20, followed by teammate Deotille Videau, who finished in 1:04:00.60. Talia Saumamao of Samoa earned the bronze medal, clocking in at 1:08:06.00, a personal best and her sixth medal at the Games.
The race also featured a remarkable showing of young talent. Sari Barman and Maria Guerrero, both 14, represented the Northern Mariana Islands and completed the course side by side with times of 1:31:38.30 and 1:31:37.60, respectively. Their friendship and mutual support became a defining theme of the event.
“It felt really rewarding to finally finish a long race,” Barman said. Guerrero added, “I learned that I can really push myself to do way more than I usually do.”
Shoko Litulumar, also from the Northern Mariana Islands, completed the race in 1:18:46.80, marking her ninth event of the competition.
Hosei’s performance stood out not just for her time, but for her role as Palau’s sole swimmer in the event. Competing on home waters in front of local fans, her endurance and commitment were a proud reflection of Palau’s athletic spirit and promise.
With the sun setting on the Pacific Mini Games, Hosei and her fellow competitors leave behind not just results, but powerful messages of perseverance, national pride, and camaraderie across the Pacific.