Team Fiji Swimming are leading the men's medal tally in the XIV Oceania Swimming Championships 2026 with 4 gold and 1 bronze, while the women's team are third with 2 gold and 2 bronze.
Swimming Australia is in second place in the men's division with 3 gold, 4 silver and 1 bronze medal, while Tahiti is third with 3 gold and 2 silver.
In the women’s division, Swimming Australia leads with 7 gold, 4 silver and 2 bronze, and Swimming New Zealand is in second place with 2 gold, 6 silver and 3 bronze.
In last night's event, Samuel Yalimaiwai won gold in the 50 metres breaststroke, and Fiji claimed gold again in the men's 4x100 metres freestyle relay.
The team clocked a time of 3 minutes and 30 seconds.
Speaking after his win, Yalimaiwai who works at KPMG, says years of sacrifice, early morning training sessions and strong support from family and friends helped drive him to victory in the men’s 50 metres breaststroke final.
Yalimaiwai says he is extremely happy with the achievement and proud that all the hard work he had done over the years has finally paid off in the pool.
He says while swimming, he kept thinking about the countless early mornings, late afternoon sessions and long hours of training that prepared him for this moment.
Yalimaiwai says knowing the work is already done gives him confidence to go out and perform at his best.
The gold medallist dedicates his victory to his family, friends and everyone who supported him leading into the competition.
He says the encouragement and backing from those around him played a major role in helping him stay focused and motivated.
Despite winning gold, Yalimaiwai says there is still room for improvement, especially with his fitness and finishing stronger in future races.
He also shared a message for fans and young athletes, saying that anything is possible.
Insert: Anything is possible 11th May 26
Taylor says he was very nervous before the race, but representing Fiji helped him settle down and stay focused.
He also says it is a proud moment to swim in the relay finals together as a team and he is happy they are able to play their part in the competition.
Taylor also highlights how special it is to represent Fiji and Oceania on the international stage.
When asked by fijivillage Sports, Taylor dedicated his medal to his grandfather.
Insert: Taylor dedicates to grandfather 11th May 26
Meanwhile, Taito says there was a lot of pressure heading into the 4x100 metres relay final, especially knowing he has the slowest qualifying time.
He admitted that he was worried that he would let the team down if things do not go well.
However, Taito says the team stepped up when it matters the most and everyone rose to the occasion in the race.
He says the support and culture around Team Fiji is unmatched, adding that nobody celebrates harder than Fiji athletes and supporters when medals are won.
Taito dedicated his medal win to his parents for always pushing and encouraging him throughout his swimming journey.
Today, the competition kicks off at 10am with the heats of the mixed 4x100 metres freestyle relay, the men's and women's 800 metres freestyle, the men's and women's 200 metres individual medley, the men's and women's 50 metres freestyle, the men's and women's 200 metres breaststroke, and the men's and women's medley relay.
The finals will start at 6.30 this evening.
The Oceania Swimming Championship is being held at the National Aquatic Centre.
