Pacific swimmers shine as Oceania Champs signals growing shift

Pacific swimmers have made their mark at the 14th Oceania Swimming Championships in Suva as athletes from across the region challenged the long-standing dominance of New Zealand and Australia.

More than 160 swimmers from 18 nations competed over six days (8-13 May) at the newly upgraded Damodar City Aquatic Centre with open water events held at Pacific Harbour.

While Australia continued to lead the medal tally early on, Fiji, Tahiti, Sāmoa, Cook Islands and others produced strong performances with officials saying the gap at the top is beginning to close.

Errol Taylor, Fiji Aquatics vice-president west, said the results reflect a clear shift in the region.

“For a competition that was once heavily dominated by Australia and New Zealand to the point where we even had a separate island medal category," he told a media briefing. "We are now seeing the gap close significantly.

“There is much greater diversity in the countries winning medals, and that is fantastic for the growth of swimming in Oceania.

Watch the Fiji men win gold in the 4x100m freestyle relay below.

Taylor added that Pacific nations are now competing with more confidence and consistency. “It’s inspiring to see Pacific Island nations stepping up and challenging at this level.”

Team Fiji remained one of the standout Pacific performers on home soil. The hosts delivered strong results highlighted by Samuel Yalimaiwai’s gold medal in the men’s 50m breaststroke where he also set a new championship record.

The Fiji men’s 4x100m freestyle relay team of Che Taito, Tolu Young, Hansel McCaig, and Reuben Taylor also claimed gold, adding to the home nation’s medal haul.

Team Fiji was one of the standout Pacific performers, finishing second behind Australia on the medal tally. Photo/Facebook/Fiji Swimming/Grasskirt Photography

Anahira McCutcheon added further success with a bronze in the women’s breaststroke as Fiji continued to build momentum across the competition.

The championships also served as a qualifying event for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which added pressure and importance for athletes and national selectors at the Suva meet.

Among the standout Pacific moments was Cook Islands swimmer Jacob Story, who won gold in the men’s 100m breaststroke.

Story, who is now based in Australia for training, said the win came after months of preparation and adjustment.

He said the experience in Fiji had been a positive one despite the challenges of training away from home.

Jacob Story from the Cook Islands won gold in the men’s 100m breaststroke, capping a standout race in the pool. Photo/fijivillage

“It’s been so fun competing in Fiji and having a lovely crowd being so supportive makes it all come together," he told Fijivillage.

Sāmoa also delivered one of its strongest campaigns in recent years. Head coach Brandon Schuster said the team exceeded expectations, with younger swimmers stepping up and senior athletes leading the way.

He said travel and preparation challenges made the results even more impressive, especially for first-time international swimmers.

Schuster also highlighted the spirit across Pacific teams, saying competition in the pool is matched by strong regional respect.

While Australia and New Zealand remain dominant forces, he said the Oceania Championships continue to bring Pacific nations closer together as one sporting family.

Watch Team Sāmoa coach Brandon Schuster on Fijivillage.com below.

Sāmoan swimmer Kaiya Brown, who competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics, said the meet is also a key step in team selection and development.

Brown said the focus now is on resetting and preparing for upcoming finals and relay events with selection still to be confirmed after all results are reviewed.

Team Tonga wrapped up the championships with a strong showing, recording multiple personal bests, national records and finals appearances.

Standout performances came from Vaoahi Afu, who broke Tonga national records and reached several finals while 14-year-old Alexander Villami impressed with a series of personal bests in his international debut.

Finau Ohuafi and Carolann Faeamani also delivered solid swims with Tonga’s squad praised for their resilience, team spirit, and continued progress on the regional stage.

Team Tonga wraps up their Oceania Championships campaign in Suva with personal bests, national records, and strong team spirit throughout the week. Photo/Facebook/Fiji Swimming/Grasskirt Photography

Across the Pacific, officials and coaches say the championships is no longer just about participation but progression with island nations increasingly competing for podium places rather than experience alone.

The Suva meet has highlighted a clear trend: Pacific swimming is not just growing, it is closing the gap at the top of the region.

Australia topped the medal tally with 14 gold, 17 silver, and five bronze ahead of Fiji with 11 gold, six bronze and a new mixed relay record while Tahiti finished in third place with seven gold and four silver medals.

Other Pacific nations that participated in the tournament included Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Palau, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and American Sāmoa.

For more details on the 14th Oceania Swimming Championships, click here.