Heleina Young is beyond grateful to grace the tracks again after her sixyear stint with rugby.

The 24-year-old former Queensland Reds and Fijiana sevens player had qualified for the Pacific Mini Games in the 100, 200 and 400 metres events.

“It’s always a privilege to be named as part of the Fiji squad,” she told SUNsports.

“It’s not new, we’re used to it coming here and putting in the work.”

Young said she was influenced to return to athletics after recovering from her knee injury.

“I had sustained a knee injury back in April of last year. I was in rehab for about eight to nine months,” she said.

“Towards the end of my rehab programme, we had gone into some running back here at the track. I think it was just in that moment that I realised, I missed the feeling of being here at the track and being around my coach Bola Tafo’ou. At the time I was still with the rugby squad.”

Young said she had struggled with the change of direction with running.

“I kind of decided that it was worth giving it a shot especially coming back from a knee injury where I was struggling a little bit with the change of direction so running straight was the best thing for me,” she said.

“It doesn’t really matter which sport you are in; you put in the same amount of effort.”

Young will be gunning for a medal in either an individual or relay event at the Games.

“Although there might be quite a lot of expectation and pressure with returning back to the track, all I can do is my best,” she said.

“My family has always been supportive regardless of which path I choose to take or what sport I take. They always back me so I’m very grateful for that.”

Young indicated that her coach always reminded her of the potential she possesses at the track.

“He always tells me the importance of just doing everything right especially the little things to avoid injury. He (Tafo’ou) has been my coach since I was 15,” she said.

Young acknowledged the Fiji Sports Council for sponsoring her $3000 levy to the Mini Games.

“We’re very grateful for their support and we hope that continues for the upcoming athletes in the next few years,” she said.

Young added her events have yet to be finalised and would be confirmed in the next few weeks.

Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj