- Ryan Pini
Ryan Pini (born
10 December 1981 ) is a swimmer fromPapua New Guinea . While he grew up in Papua New Guinea, he trains primarily inBrisbane , and competes for the Yeronga Park Swim Club. He has qualified to take part in the2008 Summer Olympics inBeijing . [ [http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/news/stories/200806/s2278250.htm?tab=sport "PNG wildcard bid fails for Paralympics, Mopio Jane through"] , ABC Radio Australia, June 18, 2008]International Career
2004 Summer Olympics
Pini competed in the 100 m Butterfly at the
2004 Summer Olympics , finishing 18th.2006 Commonwealth Games
At the
2006 Commonwealth Games , Pini became the just the second individual from Papua New Guinea to win an individual gold medal at any Olympic or Commonwealth Games, when he won the Men's 100 m Butterfly. In doing so, Pini also won Papua New Guinea's first ever swimming medal at an Olympic or Commonwealth Games. His winning time of 52.64 was enough to edge outMichael Klim ofAustralia andMoss Burmester ofNew Zealand .Pini also competed in the final of the Men's 50 m Butterfly, finishing fifth, and made the semi final of the Men's 100 m freestyle.
2007 World Aquatics Championships
Pini competed in the
2007 World Aquatics Championships in Melbourne.He reached the 100m butterfly and 50m butterfly semi finals.
He competed in heats for the 100m freestyle.
2008 Summer Olympics
Pini was the flag bearer for Papua New Guinea at the Opening Ceremony of the
2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.Pini ranked 1st in the third heat of the Men's 100m Freestyle, but did not make a qualifying time for the semi finals. He also competed in heats for the 200m freestyle.
Pini competed in the 100m butterfly, where he was Papua New Guinea's most widely anticipated chance at attaining a first olympic medal. He competed in the finals, and finished 8th overall, in a tough line up which included American big fish
Michael Phelps , who took gold. Pini was the first Papua New Guinean ever to swim an Olympic final. [ [http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/news/stories/200808/s2337520.htm?tab=sport "PNG swimmer makes history"] , August 16, 2008]Training
Pini trains under supercoach Rick VanDerZant and alongside current Australian swimming representative Andrew Mewing and brothers Stephen and Benjamin Mewing. His other training partners include upcomers Sam James, Adam Hosking, Mick Elliot and Josh Smith.
Personal Life
In his spare time Pini enjoys playing his Wii or relaxing at Stradbroke island. He has recently undergone his second shoulder operation.
Achievements
Pini won the Papua New Guinea "Sportsman of the Year Award" in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
After his victory in the 100m butterfly at the 2006 Commonwealth Games Pini was ranked number one in the world for the event, and held this ranking for 4 months.
External links
* [http://www.usp.ac.fj/journ/journ_archive/spg2003/spg_action/spg0107032.html "Pini claims swimming glory"] , Naziah Ali, University of the South Pacific, July 1, 2003
* [http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/news/stories/200808/s2337295.htm?tab=sport Radio Australia: PNG's Pini, Pacific ready for winning day eight]
* [http://results.beijing2008.cn/WRM/ENG/BIO/Athlete/5/8000395.shtml Biography] on the official website of the Beijing OlympicsReferences
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
