By James Sablan
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE resilience of the Northern Mariana Islands continues to shine despite the aftermath of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, as Northern Marianas Athletics has announced its selection of athletes for Team NMI, which will compete in the 2026 Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin, Australia, from May 18 to 23.
Team NMI’s roster includes middle-distance standout Tania Tan; field event specialist Maria Maelaine Quitugua; U.S.-based World Athletics Championships representative sprinter Theodore Rodgers; World Indoor Championships representative hurdles specialist Simon Tang; and rising track siblings Landen and Addalee Taflinger, along with team manager Lia Rangamar.
“Your selection is a reflection of your consistent performance, dedication, and commitment throughout the season, particularly from last summer through this month,” the Northern Marianas Athletics said in a letter to the selected athletes. “The selection process also considered overall team balance, including gender representation, resulting in a minimum of four Under-20 athletes and three Open athletes. Being selected to represent the Northern Mariana Islands is a significant achievement, and we are confident that you will carry our colors with pride, discipline, and sportsmanship.”
A deeper look at the selection process and athletes’ preparation for the 2026 Oceania Athletics Championships will be published in the next edition of Variety.
James Sablan has been a sports reporter for Variety since 2013. He was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College and covers all local sports.
