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FSM enters Olympic history

POHNPEI, Palikir (FSM Information Service): September 2000 - Today, September 15, the Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia began, and 11 Federated States of Micronesia participants have entered into history as the first athletes from the FSM to participate in the most famous games in world.

Participating in the events with their event are Welbert Samuel, swimming; Tracy Anny Route, swimming; Regina Shotaro, track and field; Manuel Minginfel, weightlifting; and Elias Rodriquez, marathon.

Accompanying the FSM team is Dr. Eliuel Pretrick, FSM National Olympic Committee president and Secretary of the Department of Health, Education, and Social Affairs; Berney Martin, chef de mission; James Tobin, FSMNOC secretary-general; Sweeter Daniel, swim coach; Marcellus Akapito, athletic coach; and Vanston Waguk, weightlifting coach.

In 1997, the FSM became the member of the International Olympic Committee due to the efforts of many coaches and sports enthusiasts in the FSM and to a lot of work by Jim Tobin, who came to the FSM almost 20 years ago with the dream of putting the FSM in the Olympic family.