Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) Olympian Anna Liza Mopio-Jane was celebrated and honoured, inducted into 9th PNG Sports Hall of Fame at the Apec Haus, Port Moresby.
In a heartfelt speech at her induction, Anna Liza painted a vivid picture of a lifetime in sport, acknowledging the village that propelled her to greatness.
Despite Anna-Liza's slow imagination from a younger age, she expressed "awe" at her own stellar career.
“It feels like a lifetime ago,” she said.
"There's no way I thought that I could go to the Olympics, three Commonwealth Games, five world championships, four Pacific Games and win medals and travel the world.”
Her gratitude extended to the dedicated team behind her success, particularly coaches and managers from PNG Swimming.
“To feel so supported by a coach and a manager like that really allows an athlete to succeed,” she noted, thanking those who pushed her to her limits.
She paid a moving tribute to her family, the unsung heroes of her story. She recalled her mother’s unwavering commitment:
“My mom constantly drove me to all of my training sessions early 5am and in the afternoons before I got my license. I was really sad when I actually had to drive myself to training.”
She hailed her sister as her biggest cheerleader, while credited her father for merging a sport and academic career path.
“He was the one that encouraged me to study at university full-time to just think of other options because you can't always be an athlete at this level.”
Despite her partner and two young sons never seeing the peak of her international swimming career, she cherished their support.
“I love that they're able to share this moment now with me,” she said, musing, “who knows, they might swim as well for PNG.”
Despite the lonely hours of training, she expressed deep gratitude for the honour of being inducted into the Hall of Fame, making the recognition all the more meaningful.
“It can be lonely swimming up and down the pool... to be actually recognized for all those years in the water, I'm truly grateful.”
Now a mentor and coach, Anna Liza Mopio-Jane’s legacy continues to inspire a new generation far beyond the pool.
