Pini wins two golds at World Masters in Budapest

THE Papua New Guinea Masters Swim team made history this month by competing for the first time at the 17th Fina World Masters Swimming Championships held in Budapest, Hungary, from the Aug 14-20.
The country was represented by Ryan Pini and Ashley Seeto, who competed in five and four events respectively.
The event was labelled the biggest and best masters championships and attracted 6524 swimmers from 25 years up to 99 years old.
Both Pini and Seeto’s performances during the seven-day event put PNG in the spotlight and made family, friends and the country proud.
In his two main events, Seeto, who competed in the 30-34 years age division, placed sixth in the 50m breaststroke with a personal best time andseventh in the 100m breaststroke, only 0.02 off his personal best.
From his five events, Pini won gold in the 50m backstroke and 100m backstroke, silver in the 50m butterfly and 100m freestyle and fifth place in the 100m butterfly.
In his two gold medal performances, he also broke the championship record and world record in both events for his age group (35-39 years).
Asked of his time spent in Budapest competing at the World Masters, Pini said: “I had an amazing time competing at the World Masters, it is so great to see so many people there to compete from all ages for some competitive fun.
“It wasn’t all about results but also to share the passion for swimming and connect with likeminded people,” the former Commonweatlh Games gold medallist and Pacific Games champion said.
The next Fina World Masters Swimming Championships will be held in two years time in Gwangu, South Korea, and PNG Masters Swimming Inc is hoping to see more local swimmers represent the country.
PNG Masters have invited interested companies to sponsor the PNG Masters Swimming Inc. by contacting vice-president Ryan Pini on email:  [email protected].