Team Marianas members cheer for Leo Wania, the NMI’s sole triathlon athlete in the upcoming 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomons, on Wednesday, during a sendoff ceremony at the Ada gym.
LOCAL athletes will participate as a team in the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands, except for one sport — triathlon — where Leo Wania stands as the lone NMI competitor.
Wania is “very excited” to take on the challenge. “This is the first time in a long time that I’m going to participate in the Pacific Games,” he said.
“It’s challenging to go by myself as a solo triathlete, but I’m feeling good about it. I’ll just do my best,” he added.
The last time he competed in the Pacific Games was in 1999 on Guam.
As part of his preparation, he said he has been in contact with his coach, Mick Ferris, of Australia. “He has been giving me some pointers for my solo training, so for now, it’s pretty good,” Wania said.
Asked why he is the only NMI triathlon athlete in the Pacific Games, he said some of the other local triathletes are competing in other events where they feel they have better chances of winning the gold while others cannot participate due to family matters.
“That’s the thing about sports. You have to sacrifice your family for sports,” Wania said.
Fortunately for him, his children are already adults, which gives him time to compete in triathlons.
“It’s something I love to do,” he added.
Wania is also participating in a triathlon officiating course so he can be a certified triathlon official and officiate triathlon events, including on Saipan.
