TCT Athlete Mentor | Olympian

Manami Iijima

Athlete Bio

Manami Iijima‑Martin (born in Japan, raised in Guam) is a professional triathlete and swimmer-turned-endurance star who made history as Guam’s first-ever Olympic triathlete. After taking up triathlon in 2017 and racing a 70.3 almost on a whim, she earned her pro license the same year following standout finishes in international events.

A decorated multi-sport athlete, Manami clinched the 2022 Pacific Mini Games gold in the sprint triathlon and aquathlon, sealing the sprint in 1:06:06. She also secured silver in the 2024 Asia Triathlon Cup in Pokhara with a 1:00:42 finish.

Widely recognized in Guam, Manami won the 2023 GSPN Athlete of the Year, becoming the first two-time honoree for her international efforts—racing across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania to support her Olympic qualification journey.

In 2023, she claimed the Guam Olympic-distance national championship with a time of 2:10:10 (1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, 10 km run). She qualified for and raced the Paris 2024 Olympics, becoming the first triathlete from Guam to compete on the Olympic stage.

With a blend of island pride, grit, and ambition, Manami continues to serve as an inspiration to athletes across Guam and the broader Pacific region.


Number of Races Completed:

  • Sprint - XXIII+ (Elite Starts)

  • Olympic - II

  • Ironman 70.3 - I

Accomplishments:

  • Guam’s first-ever Olympic triathlete.

  • Earned gold at the 2022 Pacific Mini Games.

  • Earned silver at the 2024 Asia Triathlon Cup in Pokhara.

  • 2023 GSPN Athlete of the Year.

  • Guam Olympic-distance national champion.

  • Qualified and raced in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Community Engagement

Manami Iijima is passionate about giving back to her community in Guam, where she serves as a role model for aspiring athletes across the island. AS GUAM’S FIRST OLYMPIC TRIATHLETE, she uses her platform to inspire others by sharing her journey and promoting the value of perseverance and discipline. Through local outreach, media appearances, and her involvement with the Community First “Acts of Community” program, Manami actively uplifts and encourages the next generation, showing others that with hard work and belief, big dreams can come from small places.

“when I have so much pressure on myself, I often say, "it's just triathlon." I love triathlon but it is not what defines me.”

— Manami Iijima