Leo Wania is solo triathlete

In a big undertaking, veteran triathlete Leo Wania is Team Marianas’ solo representative for triathlon in the Pacific Mini Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands that will be held from Nov. 19 to Dec. 2.

Triathlon consists of the trifecta of swimming, cycling, and running.

Wania said in an interview after the Pacific Games sendoff ceremony last Wednesday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium, despite being the lone wolf, he is excited to compete in his first Pacific Games since 1999.

“I’m very excited. This is the first time in a long time that I’m going to participate in the Pacific Games. It’s quite a challenging order to take, going by myself as a solo triathlete. I’m feeling good about it—I’ll just do my best.”

As for his training, he said he’s been in contact with his coach, Mick Ferris, from Australia—who also helped coach the CNMI triathletes during the 2022 Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games. “He has been giving me some pointers for my solo training, so for now, it’s pretty good,” he said.

On why he’s the only athlete for triathlon, he said the other athletes are competing in other sports where they feel they have better chances for winning gold. He said others didn’t participate due to family ties. “That’s the thing about sports. You have to sacrifice your family for sports, and fortunately for me, my kids are pretty much adults and I have time to compete in triathlons—it’s something I love to do.”

Besides competing in Honiara, Wania said he is participating in a triathlon officiating course, after which he can be a certified triathlon official and will be able to officiate the sport wherever they might need one.

For the 2022 Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games, Wania, along with Isaiah Aleksenko, Kathy Ruszala, and Heather Brook, took home the bronze medal.

Besides triathlon, Team Marianas is competing in nine other sports: volleyball, tennis, weightlifting, va’a, golf, athletics, swimming, bodybuilding, and soccer.

Tarkong’s message

Before the presentation of athletes, va’a coach/athlete Jason Tarkong made his special remarks.

He said that the athletes have worked so hard and sacrificed a lot to get where they are. He added that they will be far from home and will be celebrating Thanksgiving away from family.

He added that despite their sacrifices, “We have a great opportunity to participate against the region’s best.” He then quoted Muhammad Ali and said, “Don’t quit, suffer now, and live the rest of your life as a champion.”