Overview:
Palau’s debut on the global triathlon stage delivered more than medals—it left visiting athletes in awe. At the 2026 World Triathlon Development Regional Cup, competitors from across the Pacific praised the country’s crystal-clear waters, warm hospitality, and tightly knit community, calling the experience unforgettable both on and off the course.
By: Laurel Marewibuel
KOROR, Palau (March 21, 2026)— Gliding through waters so clear “it felt like swimming through glass,” Cook Islands triathletes Dave Robati and 16-year-old Olivia Postrzygacz emerged from the 2026 World Triathlon Development Regional Cup in Palau not just with medals in sight, but with memories that transcended the bike, swim, and run
Dave, a 45-year-old racer representing his small Pacific island nation, called the event “an experience that almost defies description.” He praised Palau’s “overwhelmingly magnificent” landscapes as “hands down and without peers the most stunning location I have ever had the privilege to race and train in.”
Yet for Dave, the real magic lay in the people. “The Palau Triathlon community, Leah, Blossom, Jane, Jennifer, William, and Morris, created an atmosphere that felt more like being welcomed into a family than attending an event,” he said. “That sense of warmth and belonging is something we’ll carry with us well beyond the race. Sulang, sulang, sulang.”
Competing in a sport still budding back home, Dave drew motivation from national pride. “A big part of the motivation comes from representing our small island nation,” he said. “Events like this are more than competition—they’re opportunities to connect, learn, and bring that experience back to help stimulate and grow triathlon back home.” He lamented the lack of pathways for talents akin to those in Samoa and Fiji, calling development camps like Palau’s “truly beneficial for us to highlight and promote our sport.”
Looking ahead, Dave eyes the Pacific Mini Games in Tahiti next year and a loftier dream: the Kona Ironman World Championship. “It’s about more than results,” he said. “It’s about helping grow the sport back home, creating opportunities for others, and carrying forward the inspiration from experiences like Palau.”
For teenage sensation Olivia from the Cook Islands, the trip marked a breakout from isolation. “In the Cook Islands, triathlon is not a very popular sport and I don’t have much competition in my age group,” she said. Racing peers of similar skill in Palau pushed her to the podium — and beyond. “It was definitely a big change to what I am used to and I found I really had to work hard to get on the podium.”
The camp’s clinics were a revelation. “There was so much that I did not know about triathlon, which made the camp very interesting and fun,” Olivia said. Her standout moment? “Learning about what I can improve to become a better athlete and spending time with people who have similar goals and interests as me.”
Inspired by her triathlete mom and competitive sister, Olivia is shedding her casual roots. “I have never been crazy competitive in the event and I never really pushed myself to become much better,” she admitted. “After seeing her [sister’s] improvement, I decided that this year I am going to improve and compete at a higher level.” Family fuels her fire: “What keeps me pushing through the challenges is my family, as they provide me with the support and the resources I need.”
Olivia’s ambitions soar globally. “My goals for triathlon are to compete and stand on the podium in larger events around the world,” she said. “I have learnt a lot during this camp that I did not previously know, and I can see the improvements I need to make to become a better triathlete.”
Young medalist Manamea Schwalger from Samoa echoed the warmth of the event, praising the unparalleled hospitality. “I can confidently say that Palau is one of the best countries I’ve been to! The hospitality of our hosts was phenomenal and exceeded my expectations,” she said. “The camp felt peaceful. I was able to focus on being an athlete, learning, and then executing. All the logistics were covered by our beautiful hosts of the Belau Triathlon Federation.” She highlighted a memorable kickoff activity around the Rock Islands that united athletes. “This triathlon experience was so memorable, starting off with an activity with some of the countries around the rock islands. This activity really brought the athletes together, reminding us that we are not just triathletes who perform; we’re people eager to learn more from one another and deeply in love with racing. Every day was an opportunity for growth and it was done so with big smiles and eager hearts.”
Mana agreed on the value of racing stronger peers. “I understand that to grow as a triathlete, you must race people who are faster than you,” she said. “It is always a humble experience coming into international races, revealing areas I need growth and development as an athlete. Development Cups offer these things for our triathletes in the Pacific, providing opportunities to get faster and maybe get to race in even bigger races, outside the Pacific region. The challenges are a part of the journey, the struggle to get faster is an important part of becoming the athlete you want to become.” She shared wisdom from her coach, Ray Reupena: “Something our Coach Ray Reupena said to us before our race on Saturday is, ‘The sad thing isn’t that you don’t achieve your high goals; it’s that you consistently achieve the low goals you set. This flicked a switch in me, to embrace the pain we feel when chasing the person ahead, to appreciate the ability to chase my goals, and to get out of my comfort zone to achieve them.”
Mana shares those global aspirations, inspired by Pacific trailblazers. “Moving forward, like my fellow peers of triathlon in the Pacific, is to race countries like Australia and New Zealand, and eventually the world,” she said. “I had a taste of this in the World Age Group Champs in Wollongong, 2025. Representing my nation and the Pacific was an honor, but like anything, I want to do more. Meeting the standard of being a world-class ‘elite’ triathlete, it doesn’t end here. I not only want to represent my beautiful nation of Samoa, but the entire Pacific region.” She looks up to Manami Ijima from Guam, an Olympian, and Mati Sapolu, a multi-Ironman from Samoa: “Two women I look up to are Manami Ijima from Guam, who found her way into the Olympics, and Mati Sapolu, a multi-ironman from Samoa. These women have set the example for us women of the Pacific in the sport of triathlon. I know that I want to walk in their footsteps, following their example and achieving goals nobody would dare to set for a small nation. I hope that whatever I do, I inspire young girls in the Pacific as these women have inspired me.”