Kayna Kanemoto can't be stopped

The 18-year-old Chuukese athlete competed in three different sports during the 2024 Micronesian Games in Majuro

Hundreds of athletes work their whole lives and never get a spot on a national team to represent their country in international competition. Kayna X-Ann Kanemoto, at just 18, earned her place on three of Chuuk’s national teams — women’s basketball, indoor volleyball, and track and field — in the 2024 Micronesian Games, and she walked away with a silver medal. 

The Marshall Islands Journal profiled Kayna’s mega MicroGames feat in a recent article suitably headlined “Kayna: Chuuk’s Wonder Woman.” According to the Journal, Kayna’s silver medal in the javelin-throwing event is a first for Chuuk in the Micronesian Games, allowing Kayna to leave her mark in Chuuk’s and MicroGames’ record books. 

Kayna is from Udot and Weno. She was born and raised in Guam, where her athletic prowess is well-known.

She was among 1,400-plus athletes who took their talents to Majuro for this year’s MicroGames. Kayna proved to be a force on the field and the courts. 

“I personally think that I could’ve done better,” Kayna told The Husk of her MicroGames showing.

It’s a statement that sharply illustrates Kayna’s ambition — that she competed in multiple events, sometimes playing different sports on the same day, each time giving 100% of her effort, and yet still she sees room for improvement. 

Like all the greats, Kayna is taking the lessons from her last performance, applying what she’s learned, and focusing on elevating her game.

“I do plan on preparing myself to be better in MicroGames 2026. If I could, I would love to do all three sports again,” she said, adding that she’s taking the time after the Games to take a short break to relax.

Looking back at her time in the Marshall Islands, aside from her performance, Kayna connected with her fellow athletes, which made the experience all the more memorable. 

“I love the girls I play with and all their personalities. Both volleyball and basketball girls had such great team chemistry,” she said. 

A family affair

Kayna comes from a family of athletes.

According to the Journal, Kayna and her younger sister, Hope, both played for the Chuuk women’s basketball team at the MicroGames in the Marshall Islands.

Kayna told The Husk her parents, too, are athletes. 

“I think that’s how sports grew on my sisters and I. We all are different, so we shine in our own ways,” Kayna said. “We were raised joining all the different sports leagues and tournaments. Till now, my parents still motivate us to join sports tournaments and leagues.”

Her parents continue to be a source of motivation for Kayna. She said she keeps them in mind as she strives to do better and better. 

“I always try to perform my best for my parents. I want them to be proud of me, and this is one way I could do that,” Kayna said. “I think my love for the game is also another motivation for me. Knowing I could do better than I already am makes me want to play in a higher level.” 

Kayleen S. Kanemoto, Kayna’s mother, said she’s beyond proud of her children’s athletic accomplishments, and she remains grateful. 

“My children worked hard and have always performed at their best. Their ability to play sports is a given talent from God, and they know it,” Kayleen said. 

In advising her children, she tells them, “If God has given you a talent, use it and do your best always. Our God promised to honor those who honored him.”

Kayna shares the same trust in God as her mother. She said when she’s confronted with difficulties, she turns to her faith. 

“The only way I could and will overcome challenges in life is to let the Lord handle it. Just pray about it, and let him do the rest,” Kayna said. 

To other Micronesian athletes with big aspirations, Kayna offers this advice: “Believe in yourself. Self-confidence is key!”

“Believe in yourself. Self-confidence is key!”

-Kayna Kanemoto