Sereana Salalo/PACNEWS

The Federated States of Micronesia swimmer could not be prouder after clocking a personal best and setting a new national record in the Women’s 50m Freestyle event.

Kihleng was beaming with pride as she swam a time of 28.81 seconds at the Paris La Defense Arena.

"I am really happy that I was able to race. It was a long wait," Kihleng said.

"My first Olympics; it’s probably the biggest accomplishment of my life."

"Growing up, I looked up to those Olympians back home and it inspired me."

"Just hoping that I’m able to inspire young people back home as well to push themselves to do their best," she added.

Coming from a small island surrounded by water, almost every kid knows how to swim, but Kihleng noted that people do not generally see swimming as a sport or envision themselves going far in it.

"I feel like if you really discipline yourself and just work really hard, you’ll go really far," she said.

"The most challenging part for me was staying consistent because I get bored really easily," Kihleng admitted.

She admitted that she loses her motivation to swim when doing the same routine repeatedly, but the help of her coach and parents pushed her to be better.

"Alexander, our Head Coach, has helped me get through these past years - he’s the reason I’m here today and I’m thankful for that."

"I am also grateful to my parents for putting me in the sport and I thank God for giving me the strength," Kihleng said.