
By Patrick Lujan

This has been all too familiar with Manami Iijima winning a local 5k race, like this one recently at the eCoast 5K. (photo credit: Coast 360)
2017 has been a golden year so far for super athlete Manami Iijima.
Just last week, she added the icing on the cake as she officially became a professional triathlete – the only pro recognized with the Guam Triathlon Federation.
GSPN got a chance to catch up with the full-time UOG student on her thoughts of being a pro athlete now.
GSPN: When did you first have an idea that you wanted to turn pro?
Manami: When I did my first 70.3 back in March. I did better than expected and my coach mentioned that I may consider going pro. I really didn’t think I would be able to but here I am! I am excited and grateful.
GSPN: What are the steps to becoming a pro?
Manami: First you have to train hard and commit to obtain results. Then there are certain qualifications you have to meet to get your professional license or recommendation of professional status from your federation.
GSPN: Where were you, when and how did you get the good news?
Manami: I was at home, studying and when I checked my email, I had received the notice!
GSPN: How will this affect your athletic and academic schedule now?
Manami: It will affect it positively! I am more than committed to my training as well as keeping my grades high. I believe that if you REALLY want to achieve something, you will work for it. Sports and studies don’t come as easy for me as people think and I know I need to put in the time to achieve the results. A typical day will start at 5 a.m. and I am up either training or studying.

Manami’s Facebook post on Sept 28th.
GSPN: Will you be signing autographs? 🙂
Manami: HAHA! I am honestly just a normal person but I hope to inspire others to believe in themselves, work hard, and obtain their goals.


GPS Sports Calendar
March 2023
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
Events for February
28th
Events for March
2nd
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL FINALS
Events for March
3rd
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
ISA GIRLS SOCCER FINALS
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL FINALS
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL FINALS
Events for March
4th
35th RAINBOWS FOR ALL CHILDREN 3.5 MILER
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE FINALS
Events for March
5th
MONSTER ENERGY MOTOCROSS ROUND 3
Events for March
5th
Events for March
6th
Events for March
7th
Events for March
9th
Events for March
11th
GSPN PRESEASON BOYS VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT DAY 1
Bank of Guam Block Party 5K
Events for March
12th
Events for March
13th
Events for March
14th
Events for March
15th
Events for March
17th
World Athletics Indoor Championships
IIAAG BOYS VOLLEYBALL
Events for March
18th
PAY-LESS KICK THE FAT 5K/10K
World Athletics Indoor Championships
Events for March
19th
Events for March
21st
Events for March
25th
MARIANAS OPEN PRO JAPAN TOURNAMENT
IIAAG BOYS VOLLEYBALL
Events for March
26th
MONSTER ENERGY MOTOCROSS ROUND 4
Events for March
28th
ISA GIRLS SOFTBALL
IIAAG BOYS VOLLEYBALL
ISA BOYS VOLLEYBALL
Events for March
30th
ISA GIRLS SOFTBALL
IIAAG GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS VOLLEYBALL
Events for March
31st
IIAAG BOYS VOLLEYBALL
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Jiu-Jitsu
ATOS BRINGS BACK 44 MEDALS FROM JAPAN

Volleyball
TIYAN DROPS SET FOR FIRST TIME IN TWO YEARS

MMA/Boxing
BENAVENTE BRINGS RARE SKILL TO FIGHT GAME

MMA/Boxing
BENAVENTE BRINGS RARE SKILL TO FIGHT GAME

Jiu-Jitsu
ATOS BRINGS BACK 44 MEDALS FROM JAPAN

Volleyball
EAGLES HOLD OFF WARRIORS IN 5 SETS

Volleyball
TIYAN DROPS SET FOR FIRST TIME IN TWO YEARS
COMING SOON …
- 4th Quarter Sports
QUICK HITS
——————————————
Guam MTB National Championship: Edward Oingerang and Jennifer Camacho are your 2023 MTB national champions. Oingerang finished the course in 1:13:24 while Camacho won her second straight title in 54:08.