Olympics hopeful, Temafa Yalimaiwai, hopes to improve his personal best time before the Eastern Championship.

The 19-year-old Makadru, Matuku, Lau, native has his eyes fixed on securing a spot for the Tokyo Olympic Games in Japan.

He is one the eight elite swimmers vying for the two Olympics spots for Fiji Swimming.

And yesterday he clocked 58.49 seconds in the men’s 100 metres butterfly during the Long Course Grand Prix at Suva’s Aquatic Centre.

“Preparations is going well, right now. I am working on my base work, my fitness before working more specific on speed and more stuff from next month,” he said.

“This year I am still trying a personal best and hopefully by Easter Championship I will be able to improve my time and make some more personal bests.”

He indicated that training with fellow elite swimmers has been motivating for him.

Yalimaiwai added that having a younger brother who looks up to him makes him want to do better every time.

“We have been pushing each other to be better with our times. It’s a lot of fun training together but most of all try and improve,” he said.

Good example

Samuel Yalimaiwai, his younger brother is also a member of the men’s touch rugby Under-20 team.

“As an older brother I motivate him to continue working hard.

“He is coming after me so I want him to be better than me.”

They are members of the Tritons Swimming Club.

Yalimaiwai, Netani Ross, Epeli Tabua, Taichi Vakasama, Cheyenne Rova, Rosemary Rova and Moana Wind are competing for an Olympic spot.

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