Doha, Qatar – FSM Swimming left an indelible mark at the World Aquatics Championships hosted in Doha, Qatar, from February 11-18, 2024, demonstrating outstanding talent and achieving notable milestones for the Federated States of Micronesia.The team, comprised of four outstanding swimmers – Tasi Limtiaco, Taeyanna Adams, Kestra Kihleng, and Katerson Moya – delivered stellar performances throughout the competition.
Tasi Limtiaco, FSM's esteemed Olympian from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, competed in the 50 Meter Breaststroke and the 100 Meter Breaststroke events. Limtiaco, a dedicated athlete who trains at the Coronado Swim Club in San Diego on an Olympic Solidarity Scholarship, is currently FSM's top-ranking swimmer. With his sights set on the upcoming Paris Olympics later this year, Limtiaco continues to be a source of inspiration for aspiring swimmers.
Taeyanna Adams, a seasoned competitor who also represented the FSM at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, participated in the 50 Meter Breaststroke and the 100 Meter Breaststroke, achieving a personal best time of 1:24.70 in the latter event. Adams is currently training at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill on an Olympic Solidarity Scholarship.
Kestra Kihleng made her mark by setting new FSM National Records in both the 50 Meter Freestyle (28.94) and the 100 Meter Freestyle (1:04.93) events. Kihleng, training on a World Aquatics Scholarship at the Thanyapura Sports & Health Resort in Thailand, continues to elevate her performance and contribute to the success of FSM Swimming.
Katerson Moya, age 16 and the youngest member of the team, made his World Championships debut at this competition,. Moya, who currently trains at the Pohnpei Swimming Club in Pohnpei, FSM, competed in the 50 Meter Freestyle and the 50 Meter Butterfly, achieving a personal best time of 25.80 in the 50 Meter Freestyle. Moya's debut performance reflects the promising future of FSM Swimming.
In addition to individual achievements, Team FSM excelled in the relay events, particularly the 4x100 Meter Mixed Medley Relay, where they set a new FSM National Record. The collective efforts of the team, led by FSM Head Coach Derik Daniel, underscored FSM's growing presence in international swimming competitions.
Looking ahead, these exceptional athletes, alongside other FSM representatives, are gearing up for the Oceania Swimming Championships in Gold Coast, Australia, scheduled for April. This event serves as the final Olympic qualifier for FSM Swimming, providing another opportunity for the athletes to secure their places at the highest level of competition.
FSM Swimming extends heartfelt gratitude to the FSM National Olympic Committee for their unwavering support. The NOC's financial assistance, assisting with airfare, accommodations, and travel allowances for each team member, played a crucial role in facilitating the team's participation and success at the World Aquatics Championships.