Tongan swimmers from the Malolo, and Hakula swim clubs won medals and achieved personal best times in two events held in New Zealand in January.

Vaoahi Afu and Koti Uhi won two bronze medals while other swimmers achieved 33 personal best times at the Anthony Mosse Classic competition held between 18-22 January.

At the Manukau Age Group Championships held between 25-27 January, the team won 20 medals and achieved 45 personal best times.

Vaoahi Afu won 1 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze; ‘Ofa Fa won 1 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze; Siutaka Fatongia won 2 bronze; Koti Uhi won 2 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze; and Angelina Uhi won 1 silver.

In the 200m Medley Relay for Male 15 years and over, Koti Uhi, Kapelieli Siua, Siutaka Fatongia, and Alexander Sugar won bronze.

Notably, some members from both clubs who recently returned from a two-month training camp in China drove straight from the airport to the Anthony Mosse Competition to compete without resting. Given the lack of proper facilities for swim training in Tonga, the swimmers are making the most of all opportunities to compete.

The team are back in Tonga and are continuing to train with the goal of qualifying for spots on the Tongan Team competing in March at the Arafura Games, Darwin, Australia, and in July at the Pacific Games in Samoa.

Members of the Malolo and Hakula swim clubs who took part in the two events held in New Zealand include:

Hakula Swim Club:

1. Lavinia Folau 
2. Sione Motu’apuaka
3. Leonaitasi Tu’itavake
4. Finau Vakasiuola

Coach & Team Manager: Semisi Motu’apuaka

Malolo Swim Club:

1. Vaoahi Afu 
2. Etiliana Fa
3. ‘Ofa Fa
4. Siutaka Fatognia 
5. Kapelieli Siua 
6. Alexander Sugar
7. Mana Taufa 
8. Koti Uhi 
9. Angelina Uhi
10. Noelani Day
11. Saia Day

Coach: Tina Uhi
Team Manager: Ioana Sugar