NATIONAL swimmer Grace Khelan’s mother Sereana Heritage says she is humbled by her daughter’s three-medal feat at the 2026 New Zealand Short Course Championships in Christchurch this week.
Speaking to Times Sport yesterday, she said it was difficult to explain how it felt watching her daughter grow and succeed.
“As a mother, it’s difficult to put into words what it feels like watching Grace grow and succeed,” she shared.
“I feel incredibly humbled by her achievements, but even more by the young woman she is becoming; disciplined, humbled, determined and resilient.”
Khelan, who hails from the Garden Island of Taveuni with maternal links to Visama, Nakelo in Tailevu, won gold in the 50m freestyle, silver in the 50m butterfly and bronze in the 100m freestyle at the NZ meet.
Her performance at the Short Course meet was fuelled to success through the guidance of her coach Esther Malani.
Heritage reflected on the unseen scenes where sacrifices made and challenges faced did not deter her daughter’s resolve but instead, provided her with fuel to dominate in the swimming pool.
“There have been early mornings, sacrifices and challenges along the way, but Grace continues to get back up, learn and keep moving forward.”
But her reminder to Khelan contained a message of profound thought for the future and acknowledging divine guidance as her Northern star.
“I always remind her that the platform is bigger than swimming. If God has opened the door, we have a responsibility to walk through it with humility, give our best and use every opportunity to inspire others.”
Khelan was also backed by Flour Mills of Fiji, who she secured a three-year sponsorship deal with earlier this year and was something Heritage greatly acknowledged as a blessing to her daughter Grace and their family.
Khelan will now set her sights on her second international competition from October 17-18.
