National rep Matelita Buadromo aims to qualify for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The versatile swimmer returned with the Team Fiji contingent after competing at the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

Buadromo took part in seven events and managed to make five finals with personal best (PB) respectively in the 200m Individual medley, 100m Butterfly, 200m Freestyle, 100m Individual Medley and the 100m Freestyle.

She broke three records being her personal best.

She said the competition was tough and enjoyed the contest from other  participating countries which helped boost their performance

“I really enjoyed it because there were a lot of PB’s and made it through to the finals,” she said.

“I thought it was really great and really good competition and was definitely top class for me.”

Team Fiji swimming Merelita Buadromo with her Mum Tipo Buadromo at the Nadi International Airport on October 1, 2017. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

Buadromo added the team is eyeing for the Commonwealth Games next year and other upcoming tournaments.

“Right now it is the preparation for the Commonwealth Games next year. We got a few competitions in December in Brisbane so that’s another qualifier.

“In Brisbane we need to make it through the finals and hopefully drop my time down to secure my spot in time for Gold Coast 201 8.”

Amazing Feeling: Ross

Meanwhile, Netani Ross, Year 11 student of Swami Vivekanand College who has been with the sport for seven years, said it was his first big international competition

He turned 17 in Turkmenistan.

“It was my first big tourney abroad and I really enjoyed it,”he said

“Having different athletes from different sports coming together is something unique,” he said.

“Amazing feeling, this is my first big tournament overseas.

“For now I will just train harder, learn on the small things, technique and just improve my skills.”

Edited by Osea Bola

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