Filomenaleonisa Iakopo, middle, became the first American Samoan in the competition's history to compete in the 60 meters at the 2024 World Athletics Championships in the Emirates Arena, Glasgow, on 2 March, 2024. Photo: MI News / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP
Filomenaleonisa Iakopo has qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics where she will be running in the sprint events.
There's a catch though as she won't be donning the CNMI flag in the quadrennial event but that of American Samoa.
She admitted that she has mixed feelings not being able to represent the CNMI, as she was born and raised in the Western Pacific territory of the US - 3635 miles away from her father's home islands of American Samoa.
"Unfortunately, the CNMI does not have an Olympic seat, therefore is unable to compete in the Olympic Games. I am blessed that the American Samoa Olympic Committee, through the American Samoa Track and Field Association, has given me this opportunity.
"Although I am unable to wave the CNMI flag on the Olympic track, I hold the CNMI in my heart. I truly hope that one day, the CNMI can be represented in the Olympics.
"While there's a part of me that feels torn, I see it as an opportunity to bring pride to both regions. My accomplishment of competing in the Olympics does not only belong to me but to everyone in the CNMI. It's a chance to showcase the talent and determination of Pacific Islanders on a global stage, and I am deeply proud to carry the hopes and dreams with me."
Iakopo assured despite representing American Samoa, she is still from the CNMI through and through.
"I have worked very hard to achieve this goal of mine. I am extremely grateful that I am not only Chamorro but I am also Samoan and I am equally proud to carry both cultures. Who I am is deeply rooted in being both being Chamorro and Samoan."
Iakopo, who's the daughter of US Air Force veteran Stanley Iakopo of American Samoa and Priscilla Maratita of Saipan, said she was beyond shock when she learned she got the ticket to Paris.
"When I got the news, I was overwhelmed with joy and disbelief. It felt like all my hard work and sacrifices had finally paid off.
"I was filled with immense pride and gratitude for the opportunity to compete at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France," said the 18-year-old who recently graduated in the Top 10 of her class at Kagman High School.
Iakopo said she qualified for the Olympics by competing in multiple qualifying events and achieving the required times in sanctioned competitions.
"My first international competition was in 2022 at the Oceania Athletics Championships in Mackay, Australia. Followed by the Pacific Mini Games 2022, Oceania Cup 2023, Pacific Games 2023, World Athletics Indoor Championships 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland and in June 2024 I competed in the Oceania Athletics Championships in Suva, Fiji.
"Throughout my track and field career, I broke the 100m and 200m records of American Samoa making me the current national record holder for both events. My consistent performance and dedication in training allowed me to hit these benchmarks and earning me a spot to represent American Samoa at the Olympic Games."
Iakopo, who will be attending Baylor University majoring in Neuroscience this coming school year, said she really had to work hard to train for the Paris Olympics.
Her training days involves a mix of sprint, strength and conditioning exercises, and technique work.
She trains twice a day, starting with a warm-up in the morning, followed by specific drills to improve her start and acceleration and intense sprint intervals.
In the afternoon, she is at the gym for strength training and plyometrics. She finishes with a stretching routine and ice bath for recovery.
"Nutrition and rest are also critical parts of my daily regimen," she said.
Iakopo qualified for the Olympics by competing in multiple qualifying events and achieving the required times in sanctioned competitions. Photo: Supplied
Iakopo said she will definitely learn something from the experience regardless of how she fares in the Olympics.
"After every competition, there is always room for improvement. I'm excited to see how and what I will run in the Olympics because it will determine what I need more work on and how I can better execute my race."
She thanked everyone who made her Olympic journey possible.
"I would firstly like to thank the Lord Jesus Christ. All glory to God. My parents (Stanley and Priscilla Maratita Iakopo), my siblings, and partner for believing that I can achieve my dream. My coach, Peter Pulu, for his knowledge, expertise, and dedication to reaching the highest level in my track and field career.
"My Maraflo family, who has always supported me throughout my whole life. My late grandparents, Leonisa Flores Maratita and Mametto Ulloa Maratita, and my adopted Refaluwasch grandparents Angie and Manny Mangarero."
Iakopo also extended her thanks to the American Samoa sports bodies that also supported her all the way.
"I'd like to give my deepest gratitude to the American Samoa National Olympic Committee and its president Ed Imo and the American Samoa Track and Field Association and president and vice president Don and Deanna Fuimaono for selecting me to represent our nation, American Samoa, in the 2024 Olympic Games located in Paris, France.
As for her parents, her dad Stanley said they were extremely proud of what their daughter has achieved.
"Glory always to God for all the blessings through all the struggles, and difficult times. It's always been her dream...and my wife and I along with all our children all worked together and train together as a family support system and we help push one another."
Stanley added he coached and helped train her daughter and all their children in various sports.
"They all excelled competitively, performance wise, in every discipline. I coached all my kids since they were young until I knew and recognised that my kids (daughter) are at a different level of training required to perform at the highest level competitively...which is why my wife and I decided to hire coach Peter Pulu."
Pulu is a two time-Olympian from Papua New Guinea.