Former Fiji rugby star happy to be back on the track

Heleina Young, a name once synonymous with speed on the rugby field for the Queensland Reds and the Fijian sevens program, is now charting a new course back in athletics. After a career punctuated by injuries, the 25-year-old has embraced her first sporting love, sprinting, with a clear vision: the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Her return to elite track and field, marked by a seventh-place finish in the 100m final at the Oceania championships, is a testament to her resilience and determination.

“

I know it’s not a great thing to say, but I didn’t really have any expectations for myself coming into this comp.

Young's decision to return to sprinting is deeply rooted in her desire to inspire the next generation of Fijian athletes. Recognizing a gap in senior athlete mentorship back home, she saw her comeback as an opportunity to influence younger athletes, encouraging them to stay in sports and develop their potential. While personal ambition for Olympic glory is a significant driver, her commitment to fostering talent within Fiji shines through as her primary motivation. This dual focus highlights a mature perspective, valuing both individual achievement and community development.

“

So I just thought, come out here, see what I can run, and I have surprised myself and made the final. That’s good enough for me for my first comp back as a 100m sprinter.

Supported by the International Olympic Committee's Solidarity scholarship program, Young has the resources to pursue her Olympic dream. This funding covers essential aspects like travel, physiotherapy, and overall well-being, crucial for an athlete aiming for the highest level. Her participation in the upcoming Glasgow Commonwealth Games will serve as a vital stepping stone, providing valuable competitive experience. For Fiji, Young's journey is more than just an athlete's comeback; it's a story of dedication, mentorship, and the pursuit of excellence, embodying the spirit of Fijian sportsmanship on the international stage.

“

What brought me back to athletics was the fact that back home we didn’t have a lot of senior athletes. Most of our athletes were really young kids, and I thought my coming back would help influence the younger generation to pick up the sport from a younger age.