Seekonk siblings return home after competing in Tokyo Olympics
BOSTON, MA (WJAR) — Friends and family members welcomed Troy and Jayla Pina back to Massachusetts on Sunday evening after the brother and sister competed at the Tokyo Olympics.
The siblings, from Seekonk, each told NBC 10 News that their time in Tokyo was unlike any other.
“It was definitely an experience of a lifetime,” said Jayla Pina, 17. “What I’ll remember is just getting to meet other people from other countries.”
Her 22-year-old brother, Troy, agreed.
“There’s no regrets of doing it. It was an awesome experience. I’d definitely do it again if possible,” he said. “Definitely different though with no fans.”
Though born in the United States, the Pina siblings competed in swimming for Cape Verde, their mother’s home country.
“They put my flag up there,” said their mother, Leila Alfama. “I’m super excited and proud. Overjoyed.”
Neither sibling got the gold, but they did make history. They formed the first Cape Verdean swimming team ever to compete in the Olympics.
Jayla swam to a third-place finish in her heat in the 100-meter breaststroke. Her time placed her 40th in the overall standings. Her brother, Troy, competed in the 50-meter freestyle and finished second in his heat with a time of 25.97 seconds, ranking 58th overall.
“The Cape Verde community, my family, my friends,” said Jayla Pina. “It was definitely awesome, you know?”
After arriving at Logan International Airport on Sunday, Troy Pina said he looked forward to finally getting a good night’s rest.
“The beds. They were definitely interesting, and definitely not comfortable,” he said. The beds, made of cardboard, went viral on social media.
Jayla will enter her senior year in high school in the fall. Her brother is set to return to work as a police officer in South Kingstown.
The siblings’ push to be better athletes is not over. Both said they will continue to swim competitively.