Heleina Young has made a remarkable return to athletics, winning three gold medals and two silvers at the recent 2025 Pacific Mini Games held in Palau. This impressive achievement followed just five months of dedicated training after her transition back to the track, having previously spent six years playing rugby.
Young secured victories in the women’s 200 meters, 400 meters, and the 4×400 meters relay, also earning silver medals in the mixed 4×400 meters and women’s 4×100 meters events. Her outstanding performance not only highlighted her athletic prowess but also earned her the accolade of Outstanding Female Athlete of the Games. “I did not expect this many medals and the award I received,” Young expressed, reflecting on her hard work and dedication. This sentiment echoes her earlier experiences; she previously represented Fiji at the 2019 Pacific Games and had set notable records before her hiatus.
The Fijian athletic community has rallied around Young’s journey, recognizing it as a source of inspiration for younger athletes. Her comeback is symbolic of resilience, demonstrating the power of perseverance in the face of challenges. She noted, “I hope the younger athletes can stick around because we have a lot of talent for the betterment of athletics in the future.” This remark was reflective of her role as both a competitor and a mentor to the rising generation of athletes.
Young also dedicated her accomplishments to her late mother, Andrea Young, who passed away in September 2023, attributing her successes to her mother’s unwavering support throughout her athletic journey.
With dreams set on competing in the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti, Young’s story ignites a hopeful narrative for Fiji’s athletics. As she continues her training and competition schedule, the potential for future success remains bright, inspiring not just her peers but also countless aspiring athletes across the region.
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