NORTHERN Marianas Athletics has selected four local athletes to represent the NMI in the 2024 Oceania Athletics Championships slated for June 4-8 in Suva, Fiji.
They are Casey Cruz, Theodore Rodgers, Zarinae Sapong and Tania Tan, who is currently a student in Hawaii.
This year, all member federations and associate members in the Oceania region were invited to participate in the championships, which will include age groups for seniors, U18, para and masters.
Casey Cruz is not a stranger to off-island competitions but is still grateful to be one of the selected few to compete in a prestigious event.
“Honestly, it’s a blessing to be one of the four to compete in Fiji. Getting to go off-island and represent my country is something I love doing. I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity,” Cruz said. She will be competing in the 100m and 200m events. “I’m confident that my team and I will excel during our competitions. I’m excited to see me and my time do great out there. We’ve been putting so much time and effort into training that I know that it’ll all be worth it,” she added.
Cruz said she is diligently focused on enhancing her team’s skills and refining her own abilities. Additionally, she has been prioritizing her mental and physical well-being to ensure that she is in top form for the challenges ahead.
Theodore Rodgers is another local athlete experienced in regional competitions. “It’s an amazing feeling to be chosen as one of the four to compete in Fiji. I’m grateful for this opportunity and excited to represent my team and country,” he said.
At the moment, Rodgers has not shared which events he will be competing in. However, he said he is “feeling confident about my performance in this competition. I’ve put in the hard work, and I’m aiming to achieve a new personal best. As for the rest of my team, I believe they’re all ready to achieve great things.”
In preparation for Suva, Rodgers has been training both in the gym and on the track. His mornings are spent on targeted workouts while afternoons are dedicated to turning his technique and speed under the guidance of his coach.
Zarinae Sapong, who will compete in the 100m and 200m events, said she is “very grateful and extremely honored to have been chosen to represent the NMI in Fiji.”
Sapong has been working on her reaction time and improving her running mechanics. “I’m optimistic about my performance and I’m aiming for a personal best. As for my team mates, I know they’re going to show out! They all achieved lifetime bests at the Pacific Games, and I’m confident they’ll replicate that success in this competition. They’ve been training really hard — they’re going to bring their A-game, and I’ll be cheering them on every step of the way!” Sapong said.
NMA’s selection policy is based on an athlete’s performance, commitment and dedication, coach’s recommendation, and availability.
Athletes are evaluated based on their performance in sanctioned track and field events. The coach and selection committee, if applicable, will review the athletes’ performances and make selections based on the established criteria, and those who meet the criteria and are selected will be notified of their inclusion in the team.
Athletes must meet World Athletics Eligibility Requirements in order to represent the NMI.
