06 June 2024 – Federated States of Micronesia swimmer Tasi Limtiaco reveals how an athlete from a small island can make it to the world stage with the help of an Olympic Solidarity scholarship. As part of our series following scholarship-holders on their road to Paris, Limtiaco talks about the progress he has made since Tokyo 2020 and his hopes for the future of swimming back home.

Growing up on Guam, an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Tasi Limtiaco was never far from water.

“I’ve always had an affinity with the water,” he says. “I’d be out there every day, swimming around. Eventually, my dad took me down to a local club to learn how to swim properly, and I really took to it. That’s how it all started.”

Limtiaco’s natural ability in the water was immediately obvious, and he quickly began to surpass his peers. It didn’t take him long to reach the top and, while satisfying, it left him wanting more.

“We didn’t have the best resources,” he remembers. “I grew up practising in a 15-metre hotel pool. As I started going through the ranks and getting better and better, there was nothing to challenge me.”

Knowing he needed to leave home to reach his full potential, Limtiaco first moved to Japan, where he trained alongside other future Olympians, before relocating to Thailand on a FINA (World Aquatics) scholarship.

Although leaving home for unfamiliar surroundings was tough, the experience has made Limtiaco not just a better swimmer, but a better person.

“Putting myself into those uncomfortable situations pushed me to be better, not just in swimming, but every aspect of life,” he explains. “Swimming is such a technical sport. You constantly have to be learning and willing to evolve, and different experiences help you do that.”

From Tokyo to grabbing medals at the Pacific Games

Receiving an Olympic Solidarity scholarship ahead of Tokyo 2020 helped Limtiaco make his Olympic debut, competing in the 200m individual medley. Representing his country on the biggest stage was a surreal experience for the Micronesian.

“I was really nervous,” he admits. “But to be able to stand up there with the other Olympians, it’s a feeling that I can’t put into words.”

Following his Olympic bow, Limtiaco has since moved his base to San Diego, a change that was made possible with the renewal of his Olympic Solidarity scholarship, which has provided crucial funding on his road to Paris 2024.

“I actually wouldn’t be here in San Diego without the Olympic Solidarity funding.”

Tasi Limtiaco, Olympic Solidarity scholarship holder, Federated States of Micronesia

“Commuting back and forth to meets, paying team fees, buying new gear – it’s not cheap. Racing suits are probably the biggest expense we have as swimmers, and the funding has helped me out with that. It’s also allowed me to travel to some meets that I wouldn’t have been able to attend previously. I know some athletes who have had to pick up multiple jobs just to support themselves, but the Olympic Solidarity funding has helped me focus on my training.”

Limtiaco is already reaping the benefits of his new home, putting in a historic performance at the 2023 Pacific Games where he won three gold medals – the first ever for the Federated States of Micronesia – and a silver to top things off.

“For me, one of my biggest goals is putting Micronesia on the map, and winning those gold medals was a big step towards that,” he says. “It also showed me that I haven’t peaked yet, that I can keep getting better and I just need to keep pushing.”

Inspiring the next generation at Paris 2024

Following his success at the Pacific Games, Limtiaco is now gearing up for the biggest race of his career at Paris 2024, where he hopes to continue flying the flag for Micronesia.

“At Paris, I’m hoping to set a national record and take Micronesia swimming to the next level,” he explains. “I feel like, by doing that, it’ll help people recognise that even if you come from a small island, you’re able to do great things.”

Inspiring young swimmers back home is something that Limtiaco keeps coming back to and is acting as his motivation as he prepares to compete in his second Games.

“There’s so much untapped potential back home”, he explains. “It’s just that the kids don’t have the resources, coaching or guidance that other countries have. I’ve been really blessed so far with all the opportunities I’ve been given, and I want to be able to give back so that others can also reach their full potential.”

Looking beyond Paris, Limtiaco has high hopes for the future as he works to take Micronesian swimming to the next level.

“I want to see more medallists, not just at the Pacific Games, but at the Oceania Championships,” he explains. “And, who knows, maybe we’ll see a Micronesian on the Olympic Games medal podium someday.”

Over 1,300 athletes supported through Olympic Solidarity

A total of 1,331 athletes from 159 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), covering 26 sports, received Olympic Solidarity scholarships for Paris 2024. Olympic Solidarity aims to ensure that talented athletes of all backgrounds have an equal chance of reaching and succeeding in the Olympic arena by providing crucial funding to help finance their Olympic dreams. With a particular focus on athletes and NOCs most in need, individual scholarship-holders receive financial support through monthly grants that contribute to their preparation and qualification for the Games, whether in their home country or at a high-level training centre elsewhere.