Welch ‘perfect’ in World Champs debut

Salofi Welch does the butterfly stroke of the 200m individual medley race in a local competition early this year. He represented the CNMI in the 13th FINA World Swimming Championships held in Canada from Dec. 6 to 11. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

The CNMI’s Salofi Welch had a remarkable performance in the 13th FINA World Swimming Championships in Windsor, Canada early this month as he crushed his entry records in all nine events.

The Saipan Swim Club standout started his perfect run in his world championships debut with an impressive swim in the 200m individual medley as he clocked in at 2:32.17—surpassing his entry time (2.38.59) by more than six seconds. He had the same achievement in the 100m breaststroke (to 1:66.55 from 1.23.29); 100m butterfly (1:09.66/ 1.09.90); 200m freestyle (2:10.87/2.15.36); 50m freestyle 26.17 /27.21 seconds); 50m butterfly 28.67/35.91 seconds); 100m freestyle 57.65/59.25 seconds; 50m breaststroke 32.70/37.85 seconds; and 100m IM 1:06.25/1.12.76.

“It was a great experience. Seeing all the fastest swimmers from different countries is something I will not forget. Even warming up with them in the same lane made me feel like I was a part of them, like a herd of fish, except I was the turtle. The Canadian people are very welcoming. It’s almost felt like I never left home,” said Welch, who was joined in the Dec. 6 to 11 tournament Windsor Family Credit Union Centre in Ontario by fellow swimmers Christian Villacrusis and Angel De Jesus and coach Jacoby Winkfield.

He was happy with his times and his Top 3 finishes (on his heat) in the 100m freestyle and 50m breaststroke events.

“The pressure was turned up, with all these fast swimmers. Nobody wants to be the runt in the pack,” said Welch, who likely had his first and last World Championships stint as he is now in Utah on another “mission” after accomplishing one in Canada.

“I’m in Utah, American Fork about 30 minutes south from Salt Lake. I am not studying. I am preparing for a mission for my church. After two years, I will continue my education,” he said.

Since he will not be able to swim for the Commonwealth and SSC, the 18-year-old athlete would like to thank the individuals who helped him become a better swimmer.

“I am glad I had coaches (Jacoby Winkfield and Gary de Guzman) for the almost two years I’ve been swimming for SSC. I would like to thank them for putting much dedication into the swim teams without receiving much in return for their services and for being a good example for us swimmers,” Welch said.

For his fellow swimmers, he encouraged them be patient.

“Just keep swimming, even if they feel like they are not improving their times. It’ll all pay off in time,” he said.