2026 THEODIST PNG NATIONAL SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS IDENTIFIES STRONG PERFOMANCES

BY RICKY ISRAEL

THE three days 2026 Theodist PNG National Swimming Championships ended yesterday with opportunities for selectors to identify swimmers to represent Team PNG in upcoming international competitions.

These include the Oceania Swimming Championships in Suva, Fiji in May, as well as major events such as the Commonwealth Games in Scotland and the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar.

PNG Swimming Incorporated President Ryan Pini said the event brought together athletes from a wide age range, from a five year old swimmer to masters swimmers in their 60s.

He added that the championships also help identify young athletes for PNG’s development team as the country prepares for future regional competitions, including events in Tahiti next year.

The event was hosted at the Taurama Aquatic and Indoor Centre in Port Moresby, with 85 swimmers took part in the competition.

Clubs such as the Boroko Amateur Swimming Club and the Lae Amateur Swimming Club had strong participation, while some international swimmers also travelled to Port Moresby to compete.

Several amateur swimmers impressed officials with their performances, showing strong potential for the future.

National representatives including Georgia-Leigh Vele, Josh Tarere and Thomas Chan also delivered strong performances during the championships.

Mr Pini said national records are always something the federation looks out for, but the main focus is helping swimmers improve and perform at their best.

The championships began on Friday with 400-metre long distance races and relay events before continuing with more races on Saturday and Sunday.

Final results and official qualifiers for the Oceania Swimming Championships are expected to be announced by PNG Swimming Inc in the coming days.

Mr Pini thanked swimmers, coaches, officials and supporters for helping make the championships a success and said the future of PNG swimming looks promising.