16/10/2026
M E D I A R E L E A S E
PNG SWIMMING WRAPS UP SUCCESSFUL FEDEX NATIONAL SHORT COURSE SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS IN LAE
Lae, Morobe Province | 4 October 2026
Papua New Guinea Swimming Inc. (PNGSI) concluded the FedEx National Short Course
Swimming Championships in Lae on the 4th of October, bringing together swimmers from the Lae Amateur Swimming Club (LASC) and Boroko Amateur Swimming Club (BASC) for two days of competition, personal achievement and athlete development.
The Championships provided an important national platform for swimmers to test their
abilities, achieve personal milestones and progress through PNGSI’s athlete development pathway.
Seven swimmers achieved new or promoted placements across the BSP Kundu Target Squad and PNGAX Junior and Intermediate Squads.
The placements are as follows:
• Helena Faunt — BASC, BSP Kundu Silver Target Squad
• Isaac Gure — LASC, promoted to PNGAX Gold Intermediate Squad
• Kamaljith Ashok Kumar — BASC, PNGAX Silver Intermediate Squad
• N’Drewak Buis — BASC, PNGAX Silver Intermediate Squad
• Lahzi Iha — BASC, PNGAX Silver Intermediate Squad
• Elshadai Salum — LASC, PNGAX Silver Intermediate Squad
• Nahla Nap Papol — BASC, PNGAX Silver Junior Squad
These placements reflect the continued development of PNGSI’s national athlete pathway, which now comprises 42 swimmers across the BSP Kundu Target Squad and PNGAX Juniorand Intermediate Squads.
A standout achievement came from emerging young swimmer Helena Faunt of BASC, who
broke the 14-year-old girls’ 50-metre short-course freestyle record with a time of 28.38
seconds.
Her performance surpassed the previous record of 28.55 seconds, held by Savannah
Tkatchenko since 2014.
The record-breaking swim marks a significant milestone in Faunt’s swimming journey and
highlights the potential of emerging talent within Papua New Guinea. Her performance also earned her a place in the BSP Kundu Silver Target Squad, which forms part of the pathway through which swimmers are identified and considered for international representation.
Commenting on the Championships, President PNGSI, Ryan Pini said:
“The results from these Championships are encouraging and reflect the importance of
providing swimmers with opportunities to compete, improve and progress through our national development pathway.
“Having seven swimmers achieve squad placements, alongside Helena Faunt’s outstanding record-breaking performance, demonstrates the potential emerging within our swimming community.
“We congratulate all the swimmers on their achievements and acknowledge the commitment of their coaches, clubs and families in supporting their development. Our focus remains on building a strong foundation for swimming in Papua New Guinea by identifying talent, supporting progression and creating opportunities for our athletes to reach their full potential.”
PNGSI congratulates all swimmers who competed in the Championships and acknowledges the dedication of their coaches, families, clubs, officials and volunteers, whose continued
support contributes to the growth and development of swimming in Papua New Guinea.
PNGSI also extends its appreciation to FedEx, through PNG Air Freight, for its continued
support of swimming in Papua New Guinea, and to the Lae Amateur Swimming Club for
hosting the Championships.
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About Papua New Guinea Swimming Inc. (PNGSI) Papua New Guinea Swimming Inc. (PNGSI) is the national governing body for swimming in Papua New Guinea. PNGSI is committed to promoting, developing and administering the sport at all levels, from grassroots participation to elite performance. Through competitions, training and development programmes, PNGSI provides opportunities for athletes, coaches and officials to grow and excel while proudly representing Papua New Guinea on the
international stage.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Papua New Guinea Swimming Inc.
Email: [email protected]
