Waiakea Graduate, UH Swimmer Chi Passes Away Saturday

Former Waiakea High School swimmer Peter Chi passed away early Saturday after being found unresponsive in his dorm room from an apparent cardiac arrest at the University of Hawai`i at Manoa.

Chi, who was in his junior year at the school, had previously been diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, according to a release from the university, and had been treated for the illness. He had competed the night before in a meet against Brigham Young University at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatics Complex on the first day of a two-day competition to open the season. He finished in fifth place in the 100-yard breaststroke.

In a statement, head coach Victor Wales said “Peter was an outstanding student athlete and even more importantly a great person. He was loved and respected by all his teammates and will forever have a place in our program.”

Chi was a four year swimmer at Waiakea High School, where he earned team MVP honors three times. He was twice named team captain, and was a part of the league championship swim team in 2010. He also lettered one year in cross country for the Warriors.

After graduating from Waiakea High School in 2010, Chi walked on to the University of Hawaii and competed in the breaststroke, freestyle, backstroke, and individual medley. He competed in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation championships in February and set personal bests in four different events throughout the season.

Near the end of his sophomore season, Chi was recognized by `Ahahui Koa `Anuenue at their annual scholarship dinner for his strength and positive energy. The fundraising organization honored him with their Inspirational Award.

The 19-year-old was survived by his father, Robert, and older sister, Sharon. Services have not been announced yet.