SAMOA'S PADDLING TEAM PREPARES FOR THE PACIFIC GAMES

Team Samoa Open Mens team during the IVF World Long Distance earlier this year, before their race (Photo: Lars Gustaf Bell/ Eyespy Radio Samoa)

In just 12 days, the much-anticipated Pacific Games will bring together the finest athletes from across the Pacific region to showcase their exceptional athleticism, skills, and unwavering determination. Among the many teams poised to take centre stage, the Samoa paddling team is brimming with excitement and readiness to proudly represent their nation on this prestigious Pacific platform.

Headed by the experienced coach, Su’a Jay Ah Fook-Schuster, Team Samoa is eager to face the formidable competition at the Pacific Games. This dedicated team has spared no effort in their preparations and has further honed their skills by gaining invaluable experience from their participation in the IVF World Long Distance competition earlier this year. They have their eyes set on their rivals, with traditional powerhouses Tahiti and New Caledonia topping the list of teams to watch out for in the upcoming games.

Looking forward to the near future, Team Samoa is determined to continue elevating the performance of their local team by participating in more international competitions. They aspire to host events similar to the IVF World Distance Championship, held earlier this year in Samoa, to further bolster their international experience.

One of the standout members of the Female Team Samoa is the 16-year-old prodigy, Juno Isabella Ah Fook-Schuster. She has already made a name for herself by representing Samoa during the IVF World Distance Championships, a highly competitive international paddling event that was hosted by Samoa this year. Her exceptional talent shone through as she led Team Samoa to victory, securing two medals in the junior 16 category, where she served as captain, and the junior 19 category. Juno's unwavering confidence is evident as she prepares to participate in her second international competition this year, once again representing her beloved Samoa.

Juno reflects on the experience she gained during the long-distance IVF World Distance Championships, recognizing that the Pacific Games primarily consist of sprint events, ranging from 250 to 1500 metres. Despite the difference in race types, she remains determined to give her best performance, fueled by her past successes.

As the Pacific Games draw near, Samoa's paddling team is resolute in their commitment to showcase the prowess and spirit of their proud nation on the Pacific stage. For those who have been observing their rigorous training sessions on the shores of Tamaligi, near the under-construction Sheraton Hotel, it's evident that these athletes are more than ready to make their nation proud.