BY SHOREYANN RAGOSO
At just 21 years old, Solomon Islands national floorball team [Basiotos] goalkeeper Macarthur Kumakana from Malaita and Choiseul Province is preparing for one of the biggest opportunities of his sporting journey after being selected for international floorball trials, ahead of the 3v3 World Floorball Championship in Spain from 12–14 June 2026.
What makes his story remarkable is that he only started playing as a goalkeeper on October 7, 2024. His original goal was simple — to lose weight. Less than two years later, he is now attracting international attention and preparing to test himself on a bigger stage.
Kumakana said he feels “blessed, excited, and ready to take on this opportunity.”
“This selection in trials means everything to me,” told RAW SPORTS. “It has been one of my dreams since I started playing floorball, and I think it will help boost the team as well as the exposure, I’m about to get.”
He credits much of his success to hard work and the support of others, especially Adam Olofson, whom he described as “the main man” behind the opportunity.
“I appreciate all the sacrifices he has made to make this happen,” Kumakana said.
The young goalkeeper first learned about the opportunity to trial in Sweden about a month before competing in a 3v3 floorball tournament in Spain. When he was told he had been selected, he could hardly believe it.
“My first reaction was shock,” he said. “I never expected things to move this quickly.”
Kumakana believes his greatest strength is his mindset. He explained that goalkeeping in floorball requires strong mental toughness because players face constant pressure during matches.
“As a floorball goalie you have to be mentally strong,” he said. “Scores can be higher than five, so you must be ready to face shots again and again.”
Without access to a dedicated goalie coach, Kumakana has spent countless hours researching techniques and practising on his own to improve his game.
One of his proudest moments came during a tournament when he saved a penalty against Ukraine, a team that had previously been ranked number two in the world in the 3v3 format.
Representing the Solomon Islands is something he treasures deeply.
“I always wanted to represent my country, and I feel blessed by the support right now,” he said.
His advice to other young athletes is simple: “Work hard, surround yourself with people who will push you, and expose yourself through social media because it can open doors beyond the Solomon Islands.”
