Swami Vivekananda College (SVC) student Taichi Vakasama is one of our medal prospects at the 12th Oceania Swimming Championship at Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea.

The Lau native was among the 22 swimmers and six officials representing the country that departed our shores yesterday.

Vakasama will be competing in his third Oceania Championship in the 50metres, 100m and 200m Breaststroke and also at the 200m Individual medleys.

From left: National swimming reps Taichi Vakasama, Damien Kitione, Jayzon Requina, and Mosese Bobi at Nadi International Airport on June 23, 2018. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

National Swimming coach Sharon Pickering said the team are made up of the country’s top swimmers that competed at the Commonwealth Games except for Matelita Buadromo who pulled out due to injury.

“Taichi has a very good chance of winning a medal,” Smith said.

“Herbert (Rabua), Cheyenne Rova) and we also got some young ones who are very fast and you never know in the each individual events they could have a placing.

“It is going to be really tough. Australia will be sending a very fast team with their qualifying times being very high. New Zealand will also be sending their team as well and also Hawaii along with the other Pacific teams.”

The four-day event starts on Tuesday.

 Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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