Next up for Filomenaleonisa: College

After fulfilling her lifelong dream of competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Saipan-born and raised Filomenaleonisa Iakopo’s next challenge is college where she will be an incoming freshman majoring in Neuroscience at Baylor University.

“I leave Paris on Aug. 12. However, I will not be returning back to Saipan. I will be traveling to Texas to attend Baylor University,” she told Saipan Tribune in a social media message.

But the 18-year-old recent Kagman High School graduate didn’t leave the French capital without leaving her mark as she reset the national record for the 100m for the country she represented, American Samoa, her father Stanley’s home country.

Iakopo ran the century dash in 12.78 last Aug. 2 to reset her own record of 13.00 she set in last year’s Micronesian Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Before that, the 13.39 set by Lila Waetin in the 2007 Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa was untouched for 16 years.

“I dedicate all my success to my family. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have made it this far. Their support and belief in my ability to achieve my dreams have been the backbone of my journey. Through every challenge and wins they have stood by me. This achievement is as much as theirs as it is mine,” she said of resetting anew the 100m national record of American Samoa.”

She added that she felt a sense of accomplishment more than anything else after completing what she set out to do in the Paris Olympics.

“Once I crossed the finish line, I congratulated the respected athletes within my heat and waited for my time on the main screen. I was in complete shock and overwhelmed with joy. My goal coming into the Olympic Games was to run a personal best and it is the best feeling I have accomplished that.”

As for how she celebrated after the 100m event and the new national record, Iakopo did what everyone would do in one of the gastronomic capitals of the world—eat.

“I celebrated my national record with my mom and two god-sisters who flew all the way from the United States to watch me compete in France. We had a dinner and I enjoyed a lot of pastries and pasta.”

Iakopo said she feels proud to have represented her father’s home islands in the quadrennial event and that it came with the bonus of resetting her own 100m American Samoa national record.

“I am feeling so blessed and honored to be a part of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Competing in the Olympics is a huge achievement in itself but breaking a personal best which sets a new national record for American Samoa [is icing on the cake].”

At Baylor, Iakopo plans to continue her track and field career, and perhaps even restart her interest in bodybuilding,

“I do plan on continuing track and field in college. I will try to go on as a walk on or join an athletics club in Texas…I would also love to continue bodybuilding and maybe do a show. However, I really want to focus on refining my technique and speed in track and field,” she said.

Her parents, Stanley and Priscilla, said they’re immensely proud of what their daughter was able to accomplish nearly 7,500 miles away from Saipan.

“Our daughter’s success in the Olympics is a dream come true for our family. We are beaming with pride knowing that our daughter has made history. Watching our daughter cross the finish line, seeing her name on the scoreboard, and knowing that she’s beaten her personal best and set a new national record is a moment we’ll treasure forever.”

The Iakopos added that their daughter’s recent success in sports is a testament that their commitment in supporting her athletic endeavors was well worth it.

“We’ve invested and sacrificed a lot for our children, so that they have the opportunity in life to succeed. We’ve spent countless hours, sleepless nights, and endless worries ensuring that they have every chance to thrive. We’ve sacrificed time, money, and resources to provide them with the best possible training and support.”

They also said that their daughter’s achievement was not just a testament to her own hard work and determination, but also a reflection of the support and encouragement of her siblings, who have been her biggest cheerleaders every step of the way.

“We’re grateful for the bond they share and the love they have for each other. We know that our investment in our children’s future has been worth it, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for all of them! We’re also deeply grateful to everyone who has supported our daughter, Filomenaleonisa, throughout her ‘road to the Olympics’ journey. Whether big or small, your support has made a significant impact, and we’re thankful for your love and encouragement.”