PNG's female flag bearer at the opening ceremony of Paris 2024, Georgia-Leigh Vele recently discovered a journal she had kept since she was eight years old. She had stated in it that her life's ambition was to compete in the Olympics and win a medal, albeit a gold one would suffice. 17 years later, on August 3, 2024, in the Paris La Defense Arena, the 8-year-old girl's written dream came true. She made a tremendous effort to fulfill her dream of being an Olympian by placing fourth in her heat of the 50-meter women's freestyle, even though she was unable to advance to the following round and win a medal. As one of the five debutants for Team PNG at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Vele powered through but fell short to qualify for the semi-finals. She swam a time of 27.61 behind Montenegro’s KULJACA (27.19), Eritrea’s RACH (27.20) and St Vincent and the Grenadines GREENE (27.23). Vele expressed that her dream to be an Olympian passed in the blink of an eye. “It felt like such a whirlwind, like in a matter of seconds it had come and gone.” “It hadn’t sunk in until about an hour later, what I had just done, but I just felt so proud of myself and what I had accomplished. Dreams, goals and prayers had all come to fruition.” Swimming Coach Rick Van Der Zant, in congratulating Vele for her efforts and courage at the Olympic Games said he was very proud of Georgia-Leigh, who has been a stalwart of the PNG swim team. Ryan Pini, Chef de Mission of Team PNG stated that Georgia-Leigh’s performance in the 50m Freestyle at the Paris 2024 Olympics was outstanding. “Her journey from an 8-year-old with a dream to an Olympian is nothing short of inspirational.” “Having personally watched Georgia-Leigh grow in this sport, I have seen her commitment and passion for swimming and to help the younger generation of swimmers back home in Papua New Guinea.” “Georgia-Leigh’s achievement is a testament to the power of perseverance and the support of our team and family.” “Congratulations, Georgia-Leigh—you have made us all incredibly proud.” Team PNG now looks forward to Morea Baru’s competition in the Men’s 61kg Weightlifting event on Thursday 7th August at 3pm (11:00pm PNG time). Athletes yet to compete are Weightlifter Morea Baru in the 61kg division on Wednesday 7th of August, followed by Taekwondo athletes Kevin Kassman in the -68kg division on Thursday 8th August and Gibson Mara in the +80kg division on Saturday 10th August.