“It is really cool to represent my country at the Pacific Games, wearing the Fiji colours, it is a lot of hardwork that has paid off.”
Waqainabete siblings, Zion (left) with sister Eden at the Solomon Islands national aquatic centre in Honiara on November 21, 2023. Photo: Sereana Salalo
Team Fiji swimmer Zion Waqainabete’s first outing at the Pacific Games has been a special one.
The 17-year-old Fijian born is part of Team Fiji swimming with his younger sister Eden Waqainabete.
They were both born in Fiji, before Zion moved to Hawaii two years ago.
“It’s really special to be here with my sister, we’ve been swimming together for a few years now and it’s both our first Pacific Games,” he said.
“We’ve both been working pretty hard.
“It is really cool to represent my country at the Pacific Games, wearing the Fiji colours, it is a lot of hardwork that has paid off.”
Zion started swimming when he was 8-years-old starting at the Fiji Schools national competition then.
He started off for the Turtles Club and later moved to Barracuda before he moved to Suva and swam for Dolphins for about 10 weeks.
“Swimming is just exciting; when I started I thought I would not make the school team but somehow I did.
“I’m a sort of a trailblazer for my family; I’m the eldest – after I started swimming then my sister followed and now my two younger brothers and some of my younger cousins as well.”
He acknowledged their parents Kati and Timote Waqainabete as well as their grandparents, Eddie and Debbie Stice for their continuous support.
Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj
