Winzar Kakiouea: Nauru’s Sole Olympian at the Paris Games

Winzar Kakiouea: Nauru’s Lone Olympian

As the sole representative of his nation at the Paris Olympics, Winzar Kakiouea shoulders a unique challenge: many people are unaware that his homeland even exists. To add to this complexity, the future of Nauru is uncertain, with the looming threat of rising sea levels that could one day engulf the island.

For context, let’s explore Nauru’s geography. This tiny island nation, situated in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, is home to fewer than 13,000 inhabitants. Formerly dubbed Pleasant Island, Nauru (pronounced NO-roo, not Nah-oo-roo) achieved independence in 1968 following a period of stewardship by the United Nations. For decades, the economy relied heavily on guano, or bird droppings, which served as a vital component in fertilizer production. However, extensive mining activities have ravaged parts of the island, causing significant erosion, while climate change continues to erode its coastlines.

“Most people aren’t aware of Nauru,” Kakiouea remarked. “When I share details about it, they’re often astonished that such a small place is indeed a sovereign nation.”

This Saturday, at the age of 23, Kakiouea will participate in the preliminary heats of the men’s 100 meters. He possesses remarkable speed—he is recognized as the fastest man in the region of Micronesia—but it is likely that his Olympic journey will last less than 11 seconds.

Nevertheless, Kakiouea’s presence in Paris highlights one of the Olympic Games’ most endearing qualities: during the parade of nations, smaller countries share the spotlight with their larger counterparts. Nations like China, Cape Verde, Canada, Curaçao, and the Cook Islands stand together, showcasing the diversity of the Olympic spirit. Both American Samoa and the United States of America receive equal recognition in this grand celebration.

During the opening ceremony, Kakiouea proudly carried the flag of Nauru, embodying the spirit of his nation on the world stage.