Asenate Manoa will make history when the tiny Pacific Island of Tuvalu marches out for the first time at an Olympic Games next month.

The runner will become Tuvalu's first female Olympian, the Suva-based Pacnews regional news agency reported.

Tuvalu was welcomed into the Olympic Family at the 2007 International Olympic Committee Session in Guatemala City.

Manoa's male teammate, Okilai Tinilau is also competing in track and field, while weightlifter, Logona Esau is in the men's 69 kilo class.

Esau himself made history at the Palau mini games, snaring Tuvalu's first medal in international competition when he won a bronze.

Manoa has been training in Fiji since Friday, where she's being mentored by a member of Fiji's track team.

(Xinhua News Agency July 19, 2008)