Liana Planz was American Samoa’s only representative in this year’s Oceania Aquatics Championships, in Fiji.
The 21-year-old competed in the Women’s 100m and 50m Freestyle, as well as the 50 Meter Butterfly. Planz got a personal best in the 50m Fly heats, taking her into the B finals with a time of 29.94.
She then went on to obtain another personal best the following day in the Women’s 100m Freestyle Final in which she came 15th with a time of 1.02.90. Planz dedicated her 100m Freestyle race to her mother, who she deems the biggest influence on her career. A touching and fitting dedication, as the race itself landed on Mothers Day.
Liana achieved her final personal best of the championships in the 50m Freestyle heats, finishing with a time of 28.39 seconds that secured her a place in the finals. Planz was satisfied with her final race of the week, pleased that she still “had something left in the tank.”
When reflecting on her time in Fiji, Liana spoke positively.
“I find it lovely. It’s a great atmosphere. It’s really cool to be here, it’s my first time in Fiji. I’m excited to represent American Samoa and very honored.”
Although Liana is the only representative from the territory, she did not feel alone, as she spoke about her friendships with other nations. With a special mention to the Samoan team who “brought her in” over the course of the week.
“It was really nice seeing everybody get together. I see them probably twice a year, but it’s nice to see familiar faces…hanging out with them, bonding with other countries, it’s really cool.”
Source: The Reporters’ Academy for Oceania Aquatics
