OIA PRESS RELEASE

Team Palau in Beijing; photo credit: Palau NOC

Palau Team in Beijing Led by an Olympic Qualifying Wrestler

Palau NOC (August 8, 2008) - When the Olympic Games open in Beijing today, Palau will be the 119th country to march at the opening ceremonies. Wrestler Elgin Tulop Elwais, Palau's first-ever athlete to qualify for the Olympic Games on his own merit, will carry the flag for his nation. He'll be accompanied by fellow wrestler Florian Skilang Temengil, who competes at 120 kilograms, Amber Sikosang Yobech, who swims the 50-meter freestyle, and 100-meter sprinters Peoria Koshiba and Jesse Tamangrow. Jamie Bassett and Itpik Franz will also represent Palau at the Olympic Youth Camp. Wrestler Elgin Tulop Elwais competes at

For the first time ever, Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Micronesia, the three Freely Associated States are fielding a team to the Olympics led by one qualifying athlete:  Wrestler Elgin Tulop Elwais for Palau, Anju Jason from the Marshall Islands for Taekwando and Weightlifter Manuel Minginfel from Micronesia. 

• Marshallese Athlete Makes History (http://www.doi.gov/oia/press/2008/07302008a.html)
• Micronesian Weightlifter Going to Beijing Olympics (http://www.doi.gov/oia/press/2008/07302008b.html)