Manamea Schwalger will go down in history as the first woman from Samoa to race at a Triathlon World Champs. The 19-year-old has arrived at the 2025 Age Group World Tri Championship in Wollongong Australia, and has done her country proud to lead Samoa in the events opening Parade of Nations.
Manamea is in Australia to compete, supported by Triathlon Samoa Executives and the family of Samoans living and working in Wollongong.
Manamea will be racing in the Women’s Sprint Triathlon this Friday 17 October.
Manamea is the current women’s national record holder for the sprint triathlon and captain of the National Team. She has previously raced for Samoa in Fiji, at the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands, the Age Group Sprint Tri National Champs in New Zealand, and the Pacific Mini Games in Palau.
This week Manumea is blessed to be accompanied by renowned Samoan author Lani Wendt Young, and her dad, Su’a Alan Schwalger.
Su’a, in his capacity as Triathlon Samoa President, is attending the Oceania Triathlon and the World Triathlon Congress meetings that are being held in Wollongong this week.
Lani Young is also attending the Congress meetings in her capacity as Vice President of the Oceania Triathlon Confederation.
“Ms Schwalger has been preparing for this event with the online guidance of Coach Bernard Poort (from Melbourne) and the local support of her teammates and family,” said Vice President Lani Young.
“Her preparation has been partially funded by our TSA Tamaitai Tri Program funding, received from the Team Up Play for Equity program.”
Assistant Finance Manager – SNPF Due Friday 17 October 2025!
Ms Schwalger balances her training with fulltime University studies as a Foundation student at the National University of Samoa.
She is the first woman to represent Samoa at an Age Group World Champs. A great ambassador Samoa, and a role model for Samoan women in sport.
Manamea was dressed to lead Samoa at the Parade of Nations by Maryjane and Fred Schwenke.
Triathlon Samoa Vice President Lani Young also acknowledged the generosity and support of Doreen and Chris Agno – owners of Litani’s Restaurant in Australia.
“Since our arrival, we have been welcomed and generously supported by Doreen and Chris and their beautiful family,” said Lani Young.
“They have been transporting us around and providing us with delicious meals. We may be far away from Samoa, but Doreen and Chris are making sure that we feel at home.”
Manamea has also met with the President of World Triathlon, Antonio Fernandez Arimany.
“When President Arimay was told Mamamea was the first woman from Samoa to race in a triathlon World Champs, he said – “You will be the first of many I hope. You are the example for others to follow..”
Congratulations Manamea Schwalger and Triathlon Samoa for this great milestone and trailblazing pathways for young women and men to follow.
Public Notices
- Jack Bostock Hat-Trick Sinks Kiwis in Thrilling World Cup Clash - October 16, 2026
- Fetu Samoa Name Eight Debutants for World Cup Opener Against Jillaroos - October 15, 2026
- Toa Samoa Name Explosive Line-Up for World Cup Opener - October 13, 2026
