Ifalemi Sau-Paea, 100m Men's Butterfly.

Three Australian-based Tongan swimmers Ifalemi Sau-Paea, Irene Prescott and Charissa Panuve have competed in the FINA World Championships (International Swimming Federation) in Barcelona, Spain, which ended yesterday after of two-weeks of competition.

The three gained confidence and experience from competing against some of the world's best swimmers.

23 year old, Ifalemi Sau-Paea participated in two events. He was ranked 48^th out of 78 swimmers in the 50 metre Butterfly (25.17 seconds) and 43^rd out 58 participants in the 100 metre butterfly (56.32 seconds).

19 year old, Irene Prescott was ranked 52^nd out of 60 participants in the 50 metre Butterfly (30.87 seconds), and 54^th out of 83 participants in the 50 metre Freestyle (28.19 seconds).

19 year old, Charissa Panuve came last out of 53 swimmers in the Women’s 100 metre butterfly and 66^th out of 73 participants in the Women’s 100 metre Freestyle.

Although the trio failed to advance from their first heats, there was no lack of self-belief and confidence for improvements in upcoming competitions.

Ifalemi stated, “I was pretty confident coming in….I’m disappointed but not discouraged. We’ve got a lot of work now, working towards the Commonwealth Games, so hopefully I’ll be going pretty fast in a couple months-time. I need to work on the backend and just put more race practice in.

“It’s pretty amazing being amongst the best swimmers in the world, it gives you a benchmark and something to aim for. I’m definitely looking forward to the next major meet and everything leading up to it.”

Irene stated, “It was a good experience. This is my first worlds so it’s a bit nerve wracking, but good. I couldn’t ask for more”.

The upcoming Commonwealth Games is to be held in Glasgow, Scotland next year July 2014.

Report and photos courtesy Alice McAlpine of The Reporters' Academy.