The delegation of the Northern Marianas Islands at the Opening Ceremony (Photo: C. Pierre)
SHENZHEN – Northern Marianas Islands, just recently became a FISU Member Association. The remote Islands with Saipan as the most known have send a small delegation. FISU Young Reporter Christian Cruz, also from NMI, had a chat with the Islands swimming hopeful Rezne Wong.
Swimmer and Northern Marianas Islands representative Eli Ebenezer “Rezne” Wong is all set to take on five events during the 2011 World University Games in Shenzhen, China.
Wong will compete in the men’s 50, 100, and 200-meter breaststroke, 200-m individual medley, and 100-m butterfly events.
After his performance in the 14th FINA World Championships inShanghailast month, Rezne hopes to beat his personal best times. In Shanghai, he posted 2.23.35 in the 200-m breaststroke event – just .6 seconds past his expected 2:23:29 mark.
This time however, he has another chance.
“I would like to cut 2:10.18 in the 200-m IM, but I’m not sure about breaking it this time because I have the 100-m [butter]fly on the same day,” said Wong.
“I want to break 31.62 in the 50-m breaststroke, 1:08 in the 100-m breastroke, and 59 seconds in the 100-m butterfly.”
As part of the NMI’s first group of athletes to the Games, Wong has prepared for tough competition. He trained with his team at theUniversityofHawaiiat Manoa, lifting weights for more power.
“I feel like the summer training really helped me improve my times, but I feel like I can give more effort in the future,” he added.
Both Wong and Guam-based Matthew Mancao entered the Games through the Northern Marianas Amateur Sports Association. They are joined by NMASA president Michael White in Shenzhen.
The team is accommodated inside the Universiade’s official Athletes’ Village – located within the city – during their stay.
Heats for the men’s 50-m breaststroke will start on August 18. The 100-m and 200-m breaststroke events are set for August 16 and 14, respectively. The men’s 200-m IM and 100-m butterfly are scheduled for August 17.
In an e-mail, Rezne Wong said he hopes to gain more “respect, intellect, and energy” from the sport the he loves.
“I want to get to a higher level each time I compete,” he said.
Competing abroad, Wong loves to meet new people from other countries and to represent the CNMI and his family and friends.
“I think each race adds to your belt and shapes your character. Just like everything in life, our actions determine who we are. I hope my performance here in Shenzhen will continue to facilitate my growth and maturity as an athlete and person,” he said.
(Source: Christian V. Cruz, FISU Young Reporter)
