Samoan Olympian Kaiya Brown says staying mentally sharp and trusting the process will be key heading into tonight’s finals after a challenging outing in the heats of the 100 metres Backstroke at the 2026 XIV Oceania Swimming Championship.
Speaking after the race, Brown admitted the performance was not as strong as she hoped, saying while the time on the clock was disappointing, there were still positives to take from how they felt in the water and their overall execution.
Brown says the competition is a vital one for Samoa, as it will help determine selection for the national team, with the final squad decision expected after all results are reviewed.
Reflecting on competing at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Brown described the experience as a dream come true, saying representing Samoa on the world’s biggest sporting stage was something she imagined since childhood, but being there in person was on another level.
Brown says racing alongside elite athletes from around the world helped build confidence and maturity, adding that the Olympic experience has played a major role in shaping them into a stronger international swimmer, both physically and mentally.
With tonight’s finals and an upcoming relay event still to come, Brown says the focus is now on resetting mentally, relaxing and getting back into the right headspace to deliver a stronger performance and strengthen their chances of securing a place in Samoa’s final squad.
