Three young Tongan swimmers have placed in the top ten in a series of open water swimming events, held this month in Samoa.

The Tonga team included Finau Ohuafi (15), Calina Panuve (19) and Noelani Day (13) who participated in the 5 kilometre Pacific Open Water Challenge. They also took part in the Samoa Swim Series of three 2km swims and three 4km swims, over three consecutive days.

The Tonga Swimming and Aquatics Association stated all three placed in the top 10 with Finau placing fourth overall in the male 4km swim events.

Noelani placed third overall in the female 2km swim events and Calina placed 9th overall in the female 2km swim events.

At the event were some top open water athletes including Australian Reece Southall, the current champion who has held the title for the male 4km events for the past three-years.

The young swimmers who returned to Nuku'alofa on Saturday, 13 August continue their open water swim training and campaign to attend the FINA Open Water Qualifier in January next year at Lake Taupo, New Zealand.

The swimmers are currently members of the local Malolo Swim Club.