By James Sablan
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Variety News Staff
IN the wake of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the NMI has found a new symbol of resilience in brother-and-sister track duo Landen Taflinger and Addalee Taflinger.
Despite a natural disaster that upended their lives and damaged their training grounds, the siblings are set to make their international debut for the NMI at the Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin, Australia, from May 18 to 23.
The path to Darwin has been anything but smooth. After the typhoon, the siblings were forced to adapt as traditional running routes, including Beach Road, became impassable.
To adjust, Addalee turned to intensive indoor gym sessions and cycling to maintain her fitness while debris was being cleared. Landen, meanwhile, focused his training on the track and the area near the airport, which remained suitable for running.
When the PSS-NMA All School Athletics Championships were canceled because of ongoing recovery efforts, the duo lost valuable racing and training opportunities. To compensate, Landen organized multiple time trials to simulate the competitive environment needed to prepare for his 800-meter and 1,500-meter events.
Addalee, meanwhile, focused heavily on strength training over the past two months in hopes of improving both her endurance and overall performance.
Despite the setbacks, the Taflingers credit much of their progress to a relentless sibling rivalry that also serves as a support system.
“My brother and I are always pushing each other and telling each other ways to improve, even if we don’t always want to hear it,” Addalee said. “I also hate getting beat by boys, so he really motivates me to run at my maximum.
“Racing together really puts into perspective how much he has helped me and how far we have come together in running over the last few years.”
Landen has also taken on an unofficial coaching role, providing workouts specifically designed to help his sister improve her speed.
“For me, I have been giving my sister advice on how to train correctly for her events,” Landen said. “For example, specific workouts that are best for her to get faster.”
As they prepare for their first international meet, both athletes have set ambitious goals.
“My main goal going into the Oceania Championships is to get a [personal record] in my race, push myself beyond what I think I can do, and share the gifts God has given me with others,” Addalee said.
Landen said he hopes to achieve personal bests and place in the top three in both the Under-20 800-meter and 1,500-meter events.
“I’m looking forward to having fun because this is my first international meet, but also doing the best I can in both races,” he said.
Their story is not only one of athletic potential, but also a reflection of a community determined to rebuild and move forward despite the obstacles left behind by Sinlaku.
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.
