With most of the world focused on the larger nations participating in the upcoming 2008 Olympics in Beijing,  many forget that the Olympic dream is alive and well for some of the smaller delegations. One such example is the U.S. Territory of Guam. 

Guam is located in the Western Pacific.  It is a tropical island about 209 square miles ( 32 miles long and about 8 miles wide). It is the largest island of the thousands of islands in the area of the Pacific Ocean known as Micronesia. It has a population of about 170,000 people.  It is a tourist destination especially for the Japanese and the Asian Traveler.

The population is a mixture of the native Chamorro, Filipino, several Asian groups, Micronesisan and American Military personnel.

The six athletes representing Guam are:

• Chris Duenas – Swimming
• Maria Dunn – Wrestling
• Derek Mandell – Athletics
• Cora Alicto – Athletics
• Sean Pangelinan – Paddling
• Ricardo Blas Jr. – Judo

Sixteen year old Olympic Athlete Chris Duenas was recently informed that he was added into two more swimming events ( 50 and 200 meter freestyle) by the Guam National Olympic Committee. Duenas said, “I am happy about it but I’ve had to switch my focus now that I know I’m swimming in two additional events,” he said. “I know that I can progress. I get to see what level I’m at, where I stand.” ( guampdn.com).

Chris Duenas

Sean Pangelinan, another Guam Olympian, will compete in the sport of Men’s Kayak/Canoe (Flatwater Racing)

Guam received recognition in 1987 from the International Olympic Committee.   The first Olympics that Guam participated in was the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, Korea. Guam has not yet medaled at the Games yet but the participation in the Olympics has been a source of Pride to this island in the Pacific and its people. This year is no different.

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