Elizabeth Osifelo/PACNEWS

She tried Archery and Athletics but fell in love with Swimming and kept at it.

At only 16 years old, Isabella will represent Solomon Islands in Women’s 50m Freestyle Swimming at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

Living, studying, and training in NSW, Australia, Isabella was thrilled when she got the news that she was going to the Olympic Games in Paris.

She said that coming to Paris and living at the Games Village is just unbelievable.

"It doesn't seem real to me yet, that I'm actually here, it still hasn't clicked," Isabella added.

She never anticipated that she would be at the Olympic Games so soon.

"I only got to the finals in the Oceania Swimming Championships in Gold Coast, Australia, in April this year, but I did not beat my best time, so I was surprised that I got through; surprised but happy."

Training times for Isabella are planned, as she is in Year 11 and must balance training sessions with studies.

Isabella says she is lucky that her training pool is just down the road from her school, and she usually trains four to five times a week, but she cuts training down to two times a week when she has exams.

"I cannot wait; I am nervous, but I cannot wait."

“The Pre-Games Training Camp in Divonne-les-Bains has helped me with my preparations for Paris,” she said.

Isabella wants to do her best for her family, friends, and everyone back in the Solomon Islands, and she thanked everyone for the love and support that she has received.

Isabella’s main goal at Paris 2024 is to record a personal best time.