The Long Course Open Nationals ended yesterday at the Damodar City Aquatic Centre.

Sanctioned by swimming world governing body FINA, it was an opportunity for our eight swimmers to qualify on merit for the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games.

But after the two-day event, none of the swimmers met the FINA A and B Qualifying Time standards.

The eight swimmers vying for the Olympic spots are Taichi Vakasama, Epeli Rabua, Netani Ross, Temafa Yalimaiwai, Moana Wind, Matelita Buadromo, Cheyanne Rova, and Yolani Blake.

Fiji Swimming president Ben Rova said they would request FINA to sanction the event again in April.

“Unfortunately none of swimmers met the A and B Qualifying Standards although they all fared and tried their best,”Rova said.

“We will plead with FINA again to sanction the event in April should the borders remain closed due to COVID-19.

“That is straight after the Easter Championship and that would be the last chance for our swimmers to qualify.”

Fiji Swimming operations manager Trisa Dunn said the two-day event was a success with national records created.