BY TONY IROGA UFUNONI
Solomon Islands Swimming Federation (SISF) has hailed its participation at the 2026 Oceania Swimming Championships in Fiji as a successful and rewarding campaign, with the national team producing impressive performances, personal bests and valuable international experience.
Held from May 8–13, the regional championships brought together top swimmers and officials from across Oceania, providing an important platform for competition, athlete development, and regional sporting cooperation.
According to the National Sports Council (NSC), the Solomon Islands delegation consisted of four athletes and one head coach. The team arrived back in the country yesterday.
“Representing the country in the pool were Bijay Ghusa, Brenton Naka, Junior Beula Sanga and Loise Bentley, under the guidance of Head Coach Stance Beula Sanga,” NSC said.
NSC said that SISF Secretary General Jackson Walton Rahemae acknowledged the National Olympic Committee (NOSCI) and National Sports Council (NSC) for their assistance and support towards the team’s participation at the 14th Oceania Swimming Championships in Suva, Fiji.
“Throughout the competition, Solomon Islands swimmers delivered encouraging performances against some of the region’s strongest athletes,” the statement said.
Brenton Naka in the Men’s 100m Freestyle, recorded a remarkable personal best time of 1:07.24 while leading his heat.
Naka said the performance marked a major improvement from his previous best of 1:29.00 recorded during last year’s World Aquatics Championships in Singapore.
“Naka also competed in the Men’s 50m Freestyle, clocking another personal best of 28.00 seconds,” the statement said.
NSC said reflecting on his first Oceania Championships appearance, Naka described the competition as both challenging and rewarding.
Junior Beula Sanga also delivered strong performances in the Men’s Breaststroke events, recording a personal best of 1:22.30 in the 100m Breaststroke and 36.99 seconds in the 50m Breaststroke.
Sanga said that the championships carried extra importance as he pursued qualification standards for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
“It feels so good. It is my second Oceania Championships. I came here to qualify for the upcoming Games in Glasgow,” Sanga said.
He also encouraged younger athletes to remain committed to their sporting dreams.
“Do your best and do not give up, no matter what situation happens. Train hard and do not give up,” Sanga said.
NSC said Loise Bentley made her Oceania Championships debut in the women’s 50m breaststroke and 50m freestyle events, recording times of 35.00 seconds and 30.00 seconds respectively during the competition.
Bentley said she was grateful for the opportunity to compete internationally and thanked her family and supporters for helping her reach the championships.
Training approximately 16 hours each week, Bentley described the championships as a valuable learning experience and expressed her desire to inspire future generations of swimmers in Solomon Islands
Bijay Ghusa, competing in his second Oceania Championships, participated in the Men’s 50m Freestyle and 100m Butterfly events, recording times of 26.00 seconds and 1:14.69 respectively.
Ghusa said one of the highlights of the championships was competing alongside fellow Solomon Islands teammates on the regional stage.
NSC said beyond the pool, SISF officials described the event as an important opportunity for athlete growth, confidence building, and preparation for future international competitions, including qualification pathways for the Commonwealth Games and other major events.
“The Solomon Islands Swimming Federation acknowledged the dedication and commitment shown by all athletes, coaches, officials, and delegates who represented the country with pride and professionalism,” the statement said.
SISF Secretary General Jackson Rahemae said the championships provided important competitive exposure and technical knowledge that will positively contribute to the development of swimming in Solomon Islands.
“The federation also extended its appreciation to the organisers of the Oceania Swimming Championships, supporting partners, families and supporters who contributed towards the team’s participation in Fiji,” the statement said.
With several swimmers achieving personal bests and gaining valuable international experience, the future of Solomon Islands in swimming continues to show promising signs of growth on the regional stage.
Photo credit: NSC
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