Ryan Pini

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Ryan Pini (born 10 December 1981) is a swimmer from Papua New Guinea. While he grew up in Papua New Guinea, he trains primarily in Brisbane, and competes for the Yeronga Park Swim Club. Pini competed in the 100 m Butterfly at the 2004 Summer Olympics, finishing 18th.

[edit] 2006 Commonwealth Games

At the 2006 Commonwealth Games, Pini became the just the second individual from Papua New Guinea to win an individual gold medal at any Olympic or Commonwealth Games, when he won the Men's 100 m Butterfly. In doing so, Pini also won Papua New Guinea's first ever swimming medal at an Olympic or Commonwealth Games. His winning time of 52.64 was enough to edge out Michael Klim of Australia and Moss Burmester of New Zealand.

Pini also competed in the final of the Men's 50 m Butterfly, finishing fifth, and made the semi final of the Men's 100 m freestyle.

Pini trains under supercoach Rick VanDerZant and alongside current Australian swimming representative Andrew Mewing and brothers Stephen and Benjamin Mewing. His other training partners include upcomers Sam James, Adam Hosking, Mick Elliot and Josh Smith.

In his spare time Pini enjoys playing his Wii or relaxing at Stradbroke island. While he has recently undergone his second shoulder operation he is well on his way to performing at the 2007 world championships in Melbourne, Australia.

[edit] Achievements

Pini won the Papua New Guinea Sportsman of the Year Award in 2003, 2004 and 2005.

After his victory in the 100m butterfly at the 2006 Commonwealth Games Pini was ranked number one in the world for the event, and held this ranking for 4 months.

[edit] External links