THE Fiji and Oceania athletics community is mourning the passing of former national representative Joseph Rodan Junior, fondly known as JJ, who died at his home in Lami on Tuesday.
Former Pacific sprint king Jone Delai paid tribute to JJ, describing him as a dedicated coach, respected administrator and a true servant of sport.
“JJ gave his all to athletics.
“He was passionate, disciplined and always willing to help develop young athletes. He was a family man who deeply loved his family and a close friend to many of us who represented the nation,” Delai said.
The Oceania Athletics Association (OAA) also expressed its deep sadness at JJ’s passing, describing him as a national and international representative athlete, leader and strong advocate for sport.
“JJ’s impact on athletics was profound and far-reaching,” the OAA said in a statement.
As an athlete, JJ represented Fiji at two Commonwealth Games (1998 and 2002) and competed in multiple South Pacific Games, Mini Games, Oceania Championships and Australian Championships.
He was a three-time decathlon gold medallist and made history as the youngest male decathlete to win gold at the South Pacific Games at just 17 years old.
JJ also held national records in pole vault and hurdles and still holds the Oceania Area 50-metre Hurdles Indoor record. Among his many achievements were gold medals in the decathlon at the 1995, 1997, 1999 and 2003 South Pacific Games, as well as a gold medal in the 110m hurdles at the 2000 Oceania Championships.
His success on the track earned him collegiate scholarships in the United States, where he completed a Bachelor of Commerce while continuing to proudly represent Fiji at the Pacific Games and Commonwealth Games.
Beyond competition, JJ dedicated his life to developing athletics in Fiji and across Oceania. He served as Chief Development Officer and Interim Vice-President of Athletics Fiji, managed national teams and secured historic sponsorships that strengthened the sport’s future.
He also founded the Trailblazers Athletics Club, championed youth development programs and played a key role in modernising governance and strategic planning within Athletics Fiji.
At the regional level, JJ served on the Oceania Athletics Association Council from 2019 to 2023 and was Chair of the OAA Development Commission, where he worked tirelessly to expand opportunities for athletes and coaches across the Pacific.
In recognition of his long and outstanding service, JJ received the Oceania Athletics Association Merit Award in 2016 and was later inducted into the Fiji Sports Hall of Fame in 2019.
He also served as Fiji team manager at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast and the 2019 Pacific Games in Samoa.
Oceania Athletics Association President Robin Sapong Eugenio said JJ’s contribution to the sport would never be forgotten.
“Joseph Rodan Junior made a significant contribution to athletics both on and off the field,” Eugenio said.
“His dedication to the sport and his support for athletes will be remembered by all of us. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
JJ will be remembered not only for his remarkable achievements, but for his generosity, leadership and unwavering commitment to the sport he loved. His legacy will live on in every athlete he inspired and every program he helped build.
