Ryan Pini

Pini has so far qualified with a B timing and is aiming for an A qualifying time, which will be around the time that will make semifinals at the Olympics.

Pini told Loop PNG that this will solidify his selection but mostly he wants to ensure that he is going to Rio as a top qualified athlete, pushing himself as hard as he can.

He gained 3 Olympic B Qualifying times in the 100m butterfly, 100m freestyle and 100m backstroke.

“I am aiming for the 100m butterfly as my main event.

Pini told Loop PNG he was proud to be in such high esteem with delegates from over 200 nations at the ANOC General Assembly in Washington D.C.

“The award means so much to me, to be recognized on an international level with the Olympic core values is incredible.

“I have an amazing opportunity to be able to tell my story to others in the Pacific that they can reach this level,” he said.

He was presented his award this week during the ANOC General Assembly in Washington D.C. 

Pini’s achievements were by far the best in the pool at the Pacific Games where he won seven gold, two silver and two bronze.

“I am delighted to receive this award and I thank ANOC for the recognition of my efforts during the Games,” said Pini. 

Secretary General of the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC), Auvita Rapilla who was present said Pini’s achievement during the Games were the reward of Pini’s commitment and discipline. 

Ryan Pini, Tegan McCarthy, Sam Seghers and Barabra Vali-Skelton lined up in the Mixed 4 x 100m Medley Relay along with host nation Russia.

Ryan Pini got the team off to a great start and put the island team in the lead at 100m securing 56.38 as the atmosphere began to build in the Kazan Arena.

“ With a home crowd and a loud noise, there’s always a little bit of nervousness and excitement. In terms of my time I was a little bit better than my time in the individual event which I aimed for.” Ryan remarked.

This is Pini’s second gold for the night and seventh overall in this Pacific Games.

Pini broke his own record of 56.54 sec in a new time of 56.0 sec.

Pini has so far won five gold including his latest in the mixed 50m freestyle relay.

He also won gold in his favourite events the 50m and 100m butterfly.

Pini will be competing in the 50m freestyle and 100m backstroke finals this evening after clocking the fastest in 50m freestyle breaking another record with 23.21 sec.

“My 100m backstroke should be very good but it’s anyone’s race in the 50m freestyle, I just have to get out there and give it my all,” he said.

Pini clocked in fastest with 23.21seconds breaking his previous record of 24.01 seconds in the 50m freestyle.

Samuel Seghers also clocked in fastest in heat 2 of 4 in the Men's 50m freestyle.

Seghers clocked in 23.55 seconds beating his previous time of 24 seconds.

The relay team comprised of Anna-Liza Mopio-Jane, Samuel Seghers, Savanah Tkatchenko and Pini.

PNG clocked a time of 1:40.02 sec setting a record for this event as this is the first time it has ever been included in the Pacific Games.

Each country had two males and two females compete.

Fiji took out silver clocking 1:40.45 sec and New Caledonia grabbed bronze after clocking in at 1:40.57. 

This is Pini's fourth gold medal in this Pacific Games.

Pini clocked 24.58 sec beating his previous Games record of 24.39 sec.

The silver went to Tahiti's Stephane Debaere who clocked 25.06 sec.

Another Tahitian Hugo Lambert took out bronze after clocking in at 25.35 sec. 

Pini clocked 50:63 sec,  faster than his qualifying time of 51.94 sec.

Finishing second was Stephane Debaere of Tahiti timed at 51:04 sec.

In third place was another Tahitian Hugo Lambert clocking in at 51.72 sec.