Heleina Young, a talented sprinter from Team Fiji, has made headlines by being awarded the Outstanding Female Athlete of the 2025 Pacific Mini Games during the closing ceremony held at the Palau Track and Field Stadium. Young’s remarkable achievements include winning three gold medals in the 4x400m relay, the 200m event with a time of 24.01 seconds, and the 400m race. This impressive performance comes after her return to competitive athletics following a six-year absence.
At just 24 years old, Young’s journey in sports has been multifaceted. In 2023, she joined the Queensland Reds and later represented the Fiji 7s rugby team in 2024. Her successful comeback to athletics illustrates her determination and passion for the sport.
In the men’s category, Samoa’s John Tafi was recognized as the Outstanding Male Athlete after breaking three Oceania records in weightlifting, lifting a combined total of 305 kilograms. He achieved 169 kilograms in the clean and jerk and 139 kilograms in the snatch, securing gold in all his events.
The 2025 Pacific Mini Games concluded with Fiji’s athletes showcasing their talent and resilience, and the nation now looks forward to the next edition of the games, which is slated to be hosted by the Cook Islands in four years’ time.
The strong performances of Team Fiji throughout these Games not only highlight individual talent but also foster a collective spirit of community pride. As they continue to inspire future generations, the successes at such international events bolster hope for continued athletic excellence in Fiji.
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