Rewarding is how national sprinter Heleina Young described being named in Team Fiji for the Pacific Mini Games in Palau next month.
Young makes a return to athletics after a six-year hiatus and said being a part of the national contingent once more is a feeling that never changes.
With the former secondary school sprinter eager to make her mark on the tracks once more, she is aware of how intense the competition will be when she stands alongside female sprinters from around the region.
“Of course, competition is always tough and we always expect the best from all the athletes, regardless of which they’re coming from,” Young emphasised.
“Our main goal is to just go in and give our best; not to put too much pressure on myself, especially after returning to athletics after six years.”
The six-year sabbatical Young had taken from athletics saw her enter the rugby arena, where she joined the Queensland Reds in 2023 and the Fijiana 7s team last year.
Making the transition back to athletics from rugby union also came with its fair share of challenges which Young had to leap over.
“It has been quite difficult and different; the transition from rugby to athletics in terms of teammates, individuality and there is a whole lot of just me,” she explained.
“Doing everything on your own, being outside of a whole camp environment and having the onus to watch your food, your diet, your sleep and all that so that is quite different as well as training.”
She acknowledged the backing of her family, friends and supporters in her preparations, all of whom she said she was grateful for.
Young hails from Nakoronawa, Nakasaleka in Kadavu with maternal links to Rotuma.
The Mini Games will be held from June 29 to July 9.
