Heleina Young of Team Fiji has made waves at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games, receiving the Outstanding Female Athlete award during the closing ceremony in Koror, Palau. Young’s exceptional performance included winning three gold medals in the women’s 200m, 400m, and the 4x400m relay, along with two silver medals in the mixed 4x400m relay and the women’s 4x100m relay.
Remarkably, Young’s time of 24.01 seconds in the 200m race and 56.07 seconds in the 400m event have placed her second in Fiji’s all-time rankings for these distances, showcasing her impressive athletic capabilities. Her achievements come after successfully transitioning back into athletics following a six-year hiatus, further emphasizing her dedication and resilience.
In the men’s division, Samoa’s weightlifter John Tafi was recognized as the Outstanding Male Athlete, achieving three gold medals and breaking multiple Oceania records. His total lift of 305kg included impressive feats in both the clean and jerk and snatch categories.
Team Fiji demonstrated strong performance throughout the games, concluding with a third-place finish in the overall medal standings, amassing **22 gold**, **27 silver**, and **21 bronze** medals. This collective success not only underscores the athletes’ hard work but also instills a sense of national pride within the Fijian community, as they look forward to the next Pacific Mini Games scheduled to be hosted by the Cook Islands in four years.
The ongoing accomplishments of Team Fiji reflect a bright future in athletics, inspired by the athletes’ determination and commitment to excellence on the international stage. The community remains hopeful and eager for more achievements as these talented athletes continue their journey.
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