Jodie-Ana Puamau was on the verge of giv­ing up swimming. But it was the words of encouragement from her mother that kept her going.

After breaking the record during the National Schools Swimming Championship in the U14 50 metres record set by Adi Kinisimere Naivalu in 2013 with a new time of 32.25, Puamua said she was glad she never gave up on the sport.

Puamua said there was a point in her life where she lost interest but it was her mother Caroline who kept reminding her of the good sides of the sport and always make use of the God-given tal­ent.

Caroline was a former national swimming star and also their coach for the Dolphins Swimming Club.

The 14-year old of Yat Sen Secondary School added having a mother who was also a coach was an advantage.

“There was a time I lost interest in the sport and my mother got me back into swimming and always supported me through that phase,” Caleb said.

“She kept reminding me that this was my God given talent and I should not put it to waste.

“Having both parents who were both former swimmers also helped me a lot.

“I was aiming for 31sec but I am still happy I broke the record.

Puamau is advising all swimmers not to give up.

“Always have hope, you can become successful if you take it seriously,”he said.

Edited by Osea Bola

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