Samoa’s triathlon team have returned home after competing at the Fiji Triathlon National Trials over the past week, with a lot to be proud of and a lot to look forward to.
The young developing team under the leadership of Samoa’s very own Iron Man Darren Young, have returned with three bronze medals, new national records and personal best times.
If you haven’t been following the journey of Samoa’s newest entry high performing athletes, you only need to go onto to their social media forums and the Triathlon Samoa Facebook page, being updated on an as-it-happens basis by doing-it-all Team Manager and award winning author, Lani Wendt-Young.
“Moce Fiji! We have had an amazing five days here, raced hard against Fiji Triathlon, learned much, made new friends, laughed and celebrated with them as we raised each other up in the sport that we all love.”
“We look forward to hosting you in 2024 at our Samoa Nationals!”
Darren Young won a bronze medal for the Men’s Super Sprint Triathlon while Urlin Mulitalo secured the bronze medal for the Women’s Super Sprint Triathlon.
Urlin Mulitalo with a time of 44.05 minutes and Darren Young with a time of 35.39 minutes also set new national records for Samoa.
Gideon Mulitalo, also the Samoa Team Captain won the bronze medal for the Men’s Aquathon at the Fiji Triathlon National Trials.
Gideon Mulitalo with a time of 19.44 and Patricia Brooks with a time of 24.51 also set new national records for Samoa while Manamea Schwalger and Kelly Alailima set new personal best times in the aquathon
Triathletes are tough,” posts Team Manager Lani Wendt-Young.
“We raced three times today. That’s three sets of swimming, biking and running. In the Fiji sun. With one hour in between races. So rest, recovery and refueling was vital.”
“Triathlon can hurt. A lot,” says Samoa’s award winning author who has stepped in to help as Samoa’s Team Manager.
“There was pain, struggle, endurance and disappointment but the team all pushed through and finished the race they set out to do.”
“We thank the Lord for His protection over all the athletes. There were no crashes or serious injuries.”
Arriving back in Samoa the team were met with a beautiful at the airport.
“We felt the love and pride of our families as they encircled us with hugs and singing. There were tears as we were reminded of what a special honor it is to be able to represent our country as triathletes…
“We know the only reason we were able to travel and race for Samoa – is because of your generosity and belief in us…
“To all our family, friends, businesses and donors from around the world who supported us with their donations, we say Faafetai tele lava.”
“Most of our team are very young and very new to triathlon, first-timers to racing internationally, with much to learn.”
The future is bright for Samoa’s passionate triathlon youngsters as the administrators announced last month the registration of a new national organsation focused on athletes and the development of the sport.
For some young athletes who participated in Fiji, it was their first ever time to travel out of Samoa.
“We return bearing a few medals, but theres other things far more important,” says Lani Wendt-Young.
“Our goal on this trip was to represent our beloved Samoa with respect and honor, both on and off the race course. It’s our hope and prayer that in this, we were successful.”
Congratulations to all the athletes, team officials and Triathlon Samoa for an incredible first outing under the umbrella of the newly incorporated national association for your sport.
