This past weekend, local athlete Urlin Mulitalo won the Aquathon Open Women’s race and set a new national record for Samoa coming in at 22 minutes and 45 seconds at the National Champs and Invitational Races held in Mulinu’u.

The best triathletes from Samoa and American Samoa were put to the test in an aquathon and triathlon event over the course of two days. Over 48 athletes competed. 

“This is a massive leap forward for our sport in Samoa,” said Lani Young, the Technical Delegate and Head Referee. “In past years, triathlon only ever had about ten people race at the nationals, most of them expats. But this year, we have triathletes from different schools in both Upolu and Savaii.” 

The aquathon was held on Friday, 5 July. An aquathon consists of athletes beginning the race by running then transitioning to swimming in the ocean and finishing by leaving the ocean and sprinting again toward the finish line. The strong wind and rough ocean made the swim extra challenging for athletes this year. 

Gideon Mulitalo, older brother of Urlin, was the reigning record holder for the Men’s aquathon and took gold in his race.

The junior race for ages 11 to 15, Filipo Mulitalo, younger brother of Gideon and Urlin, from the National Development Squad took the gold for the boys. 

Lawrence Palepoi and Fanaafi Ioane took gold in the Intermediate Aquathon for athletes ages 16 and older. 

The triathlon was held on Saturday, 6 July which consisted of a 750m swim, a 20km bike ride, and then a 5km run. Tyreece Collins from the Afega squad grabbed the Gold for the Men. 

The most popular event was the Super Tri which is a triathlon with shorter distances consisting of a 200m Swim, 6km bike ride, and a 1.25km run. Filipo Mulitalo won his second gold. Alethea Schwalger, who only started triathlon this year, won the gold. 

This year was the first year that included a Masters category at a triathlon National Champs where older athletes could also compete. Donna Ioane, Principal of Le Amosa School, won the gold medal for Master’s Women. 

“It was important that we celebrate our older athletes because we want to send a message to Samoa that triathlon is a sport for all ages. There are some Master’s athletes who are fiercely competitive and even outracing our younger elite ones. And others who have found triathlon to be a great way to get active again and challenge themselves,” Young said.