Source: Samoa Swimming, Palau. Sister and Brother duo – Nafanua and Solomona Hamilton have each secured a Gold Medal for Samoa at the Pacific Mini Games in Palau.
It was a special day for the Hamilton siblings when first, Solomona secured the Men’s 200m Backstroke with a time of 2-05.36.
Minutes later he watched his sister win the equivalent race, Women’s 200m Backstroke in 2-18.29.
“I had a bit of a rough Heat swim today,” said Solomona.
“I was a bit under the weather, but I just went home after my Heat, had a good rest, came back tonight, energised. My aim was to push the first 100 and just hold on.”
Nafanua said the enormity of the achievement was still sinking in.
“It’s still very unreal at the moment. I’m very happy, very proud. I started a bit behind the pack and then I think I just did well catching up. It was very up to the touch with the Tahiti and the Cook Islands.”
Nafanua adds that she has always followed in her brother’s footsteps and is thrilled to share this historical moment with him.
Their mom, Ivapene Seiuli is the Samoa Swimming Team Manager.
“I have no words. It’s very rare for me not to have words,” said an emotional Seiuli.
“I’m still up in the clouds. I haven’t quite come down yet. I thought I was going to just explode with delight and excitement.”
Ivapene Seiuli says it is a dream come true for her as a parent, reflecting on all the hard wok and commitment over the years accumulating to this moment.
“All the morning trainings, the evenings, the packing of breakfasts as you drive them, and all those things…
“This moment is just a dream come true for any parent. That support has come from our whole family and our villages.”
“Hopefully all the children in Samoa could see that it can happen as well.’
Ivapene Seiuli thanked and acknowledged the Samoan Government, Samoa Swimming & Samoa National Olympic Committee.
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