Fiji Swimmer Thrives at California Training Camp

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Athletes from different nations engage in rigorous training at the Mission Viejo Nadadores swimming camp.

News Summary

Patricia Verebasaga, an 18-year-old swimmer from Fiji, demonstrated remarkable improvement after participating in a training camp in California. The camp, part of the LA 2028 Development Training Pilot Program, brought together athletes from various nations, providing valuable training experiences. Under the guidance of expert coaches at the Mission Viejo Nadadores, Verebasaga improved her skills and revived her passion for swimming, leading to significant performance enhancements at the Pacific Mini Games. This initiative reflects a commitment to developing young athletes and promoting inclusivity in sports.

Mission Viejo, California – Patricia Verebasaga, an 18-year-old swimmer from Fiji, displayed remarkable progress after taking part in a 10-day training camp with the Mission Viejo Nadadores, which took place in June 2025. This initiative was part of the LA 2028 Development Training Camp Pilot Program, aimed at nurturing athletes from around the world.

The training camp was held at the Marguerite Aquatic Complex for swimming activities and at the Laguna Hills High School Stadium for athletics disciplines. It brought together participants from various nations, creating a unique opportunity for cross-cultural training and competition.

During her time at the camp, Verebasaga trained under the expert guidance of the Mission Viejo Nadadores, one of the most successful swimming clubs in the United States. She found the training environment significantly advanced, with the use of sophisticated equipment such as the new “power towers,” enhancements that surpassed what she experienced in Fiji. This exposure not only improved her technical skills but also revitalized her passion for the sport at a crucial time when she had considered stepping back to focus on her education.

Subsequently, the training camp yielded immediate benefits as Verebasaga showcased her improved performance at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau. She achieved a remarkable six-second improvement in the 200-meter breaststroke, completing the event with a time of 2:56.47, signaling her progress post-camp.

Cheyenne Rova, who led the Fijian team during the training camp, noted the importance of learning from experienced coaches in the U.S. This training approach is expected to bolster the development of swimming and athletics back in Fiji, fostering growth among young athletes in the region. The athletes demonstrated a high level of focus and engagement throughout the camp, sparking new approaches to their training techniques.

The camp also underlined the Olympic movement’s ambition to be inclusive, providing opportunities for all athletes across the globe, not just those at the elite level. Athletes from Fiji, Samoa, and Tuvalu participated in this program, which aligns with the Olympic philosophy of universality. Notably, Fijian swimmers David Young and Anahira McCutcheon previously represented their country at the Paris Olympic Games, showcasing the increasing presence of Pacific island nations in competitive swimming.

In addition to Verebasaga’s accomplishments, the broader commitment to expanding youth sports opportunities in Southern California came into focus post-camp. This initiative aligns with programs like PlayLA and the LA84 Foundation, reflecting the drive to enhance community engagement in sports and physical activities.

In summary, Patricia Verebasaga’s experience at the LA 2028 Development Training Camp exemplifies the potential benefits of international training exposure for young athletes from the Pacific Islands. Her significant performance improvement at the Pacific Mini Games serves as a testament to the effectiveness of the program and its commitment to fostering the next generation of swimmers.