Palau team celebrates Mini Games medal, emphasizes importance of training

By Marissa Dilmeang Spires

Palau athletes competing in the 2024 Marshall Islands Micro Games share their experiences and takeaways from the competition.

Team Achievements

Palau ranked fourth overall with 116 medals. Weightlifter Roxanne highlighted the team’s success in weightlifting, winning 28 medals. Track and field athlete Mary noted that the team won 22 medals, tied with Guam.

“We knew that Guam had a strong team,” Mary said. “So to win the most medals with limited track conditions was a huge accomplishment.”

Basketball player Jason stressed that reaching the bronze medal game was a success and showed the team’s resilience.

Personal highlights

Roxanne’s personal highlight was watching Olympian Mattie Sasser compete and the team achieve a personal best. Jason’s highlight was exploring a new country and building team cohesion. Mary’s highlight was overcoming the odds and winning the gold medal in the women’s 4×4 relay.

Learn a lesson

For many athletes, the Micro Games were their first time competing in a major competition. Roxanne stressed the importance of proper nutrition and rest to achieve peak performance. Jason highlighted the team’s grit and resilience.

Looking ahead

Palau will host the Pacific Mini Games next year. Jason plans to continue training to prepare for future competitions. Roxanne and her weightlifting team have resumed training to prepare for a strong performance at their home competition. Mary anticipates that she will intensify her training to prepare for the upcoming competitions.

Advice for future athletes

Both Roxanne and Mary acknowledge the challenges athletes face, including setbacks, injuries and potential setbacks. However, they emphasize the value of perseverance and hard work.

“The best part is, you know it’s all yours in the end,” Roxanne said. Mary added, “Talent can only take you so far, but persistence will take you further.”

The Mini Games were a valuable experience for Palau athletes.

“Having the opportunity to represent Palau in sport is an experience we should all share,” Jason concluded. “It takes hard work and dedication, but as long as you keep training, the journey itself is the reward.”

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