Heleina Young has made a spectacular comeback to athletics after a six-year hiatus, achieving remarkable success at the recent 2025 Pacific Mini Games held in Palau. Representing Team Fiji, Young returned with a breathtaking haul of two gold medals, awarded for her performances in the 200 meters and 400 meters, alongside two silver medals in the relays, solidifying her status as a key athlete for the team.
Emotionally reflecting on her accomplishments, Young expressed gratitude for the hard work, commitment, and discipline that have defined her preparation since she resumed training in January. Crossing the finish line with a time of 24.01 seconds in the 200 meters and 56.05 seconds in the 400 meters, she bested a strong field that included athletes from Papua New Guinea and Australia.
Besides her individual victories, Young played a pivotal role in the relays, contributing to Fiji’s second-place finishes in both the 4x100m and 4x400m mixed events. Her overwhelming success earned her the esteemed title of Outstanding Female Athlete of the Games, an accolade she received during the closing ceremony.
Young’s journey back to the track has not been without its challenges. After a knee injury halted her career in rugby, where she previously played for the Queensland Reds and the Fijiana sevens team, she has shown resilience and a renewed passion for sprinting. Citing her support network, including her coach Bola Tafo’ou, she highlighted the significance of family and friends during her rehabilitation and competitive return.
As the athletics community celebrates Young’s achievements, there remains a hopeful anticipation for the future. Her triumph serves as an inspiration not only to her peers but also to younger athletes in Fiji who aspire to overcome setbacks and strive for excellence. With future competitions on the horizon, including the Oceania Athletics Association’s Oceania Cup and potentially the World Championships, Young is eager to maintain her momentum, driving forward with the intention of continuing to elevate the profile of Fijian sports.
In a broader sense, Young’s accomplishments highlight a growing spirit of resilience within Fiji’s athletics community, where athletes are increasingly supported to overcome personal challenges and shine on international stages. Young’s story is not only a testament to her individual perseverance but also symbolizes the collective hopes for the future of Fijian athletics as they prepare for upcoming competitions.
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