18-year-old athlete Filomenaleonisa Tapua’ialupe Iakopo, who is from the CNMI, is heading to Paris for the Olympics! She is also from American Samoa and will be competing under their banner. The CNMI does not have a seat in the Olympics.

The international athlete will compete in track and field 100 meters. She said it has been a lifelong dream to compete at the Olympics.
 

 

"I have so much pride that I am not only representing American Samoa, but I am also representing the CNMI, the people of the CNMI. It means everything to me to represent my home, where I am born and raised from as well and I am just extremely blessed and I am extremely thankful," she said.

She’s heading off to Geneva this weekend for final preparation.