Swimmer Lanihei Connolly has now set her sights on representing the Cook Islands at the next Olympic Games, reports Losirene Lacanivalu in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

After wrapping up her swimming events at the Pacific Games in Honiara with two medals (gold and silver), Connolly is determined to take her performance to the global stage.

Reflecting on her silver medal performance in the 100 metres breaststroke on Wednesday night (Cook Islands time), Connolly expressed her pride in securing another medal for Team Cook Islands, especially in her debut at the Pacific Games.

She acknowledged the stiff competition from Fiji’s Kelera Mudunasoko, who clocked 1:13.58 minutes to claim gold, while Connolly’s time of 1:13.74 min earned her silver.

“I wish it obviously could have been a gold, but congratulations to Claire from Fiji. She put up such a good race and she definitely deserved that win.”

Conolly said when she was heading to the pool, she just wanted to fight all the way to the end.

“I really gave everything and obviously it wasn’t enough but I’m proud of my performance.”

Connolly acknowledged the support of her family, particularly Papa Alby Westrupp and her extended family.

“A huge shoutout to all the Cook Islanders who came out to cheer me on and support me. I really appreciate it. I love the team vibe that we have.”

With her sights firmly set on the Olympic Games, Connolly declared: “100 per cent, my goal is to represent the Cook Islands at the Olympics. I mean, they keep training me hard so I can be competitive and hopefully produce some great results.”

Connolly had previously secured gold in the 50m breaststroke event.

Meanwhile the Cook Islands basketball team will be competing for gold in the women’s final against Tahiti this afternoon. The side defeated Fiji 51-50 in a closely contested semi-final last night.