Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Olympic swimmer Tasi Limtiaco’s love for the pool is no surprise, given his island upbringing.
“Tasi” means ocean or the sea in the indigenous languages of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
He could not imagine his name fitting any sport other than swimming.
He learned to swim in the ocean at an early age.
Born in FSM, the 30-year-old is proud to represent his small nation at the Olympics Games Paris 2024.
He clocked a time of 1:04.14 in the Men’s 100m Breaststroke Preliminary Round/Heats at the Paris La Defense Arena.
Although he did not achieve his personal best, he hopes that by participating in the pinnacle of sporting events will inspire younger generations back in the islands.
Tasi made his Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
“I think I learned how to swim before I walked,” he said.
“I was happy that I got to be put in a fast heat.
“It was really great for me to be able to represent my country, and there is nothing else I could be more proud of.
“The crowd was more electrifying than Tokyo.
“Still a good race, still one of my top times,” Tasi said.
Tasi had some words of advice for upcoming swimmers in the islands:
“For the young boys back home, dream big, don’t dream small.
“Discipline over motivation—that’s a really big one for me,” he added.
“I would not have swum in my second Olympics if it was not for me personally wanting to be a two-time Olympian and also wanting to elevate the love of the sport back home, not just in Micronesia but all of the Pacific.”
Tasi previously swam in the men’s 200m individual medley at the Tokyo Games in 2021, after he was ranked FSM’s highest swimmer.
He currently resides in San Diego, California. Tasi was Team FSM’s male flag bearer during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on 26 July.