Fiji’s sprinting sensation, Heleina Young, has secured her position among the best athletes in the Pacific by finishing fifth overall in the Pacific Islands Women’s Athletics Top 10 Rankings for 2025. According to the latest World Athletics rankings updated on December 23, Young stands as the highest-ranked Fijian sprinter, achieving an impressive score of 967 points. This achievement places her among the elite athletes in the region across all track and field events.
Leading the rankings is Papua New Guinea’s Adrine Monagi, followed closely by compatriot Leonie Beu in second place, and Isila Apkup taking the third position. Young’s remarkable fifth-place finish places her ahead of numerous well-established competitors from across the Pacific, illustrating her increasing consistency and prowess on the international athletics scene.
The Overall World Athletics Rankings provide a comprehensive comparison of athletes from different events, employing a performance-based scoring system rather than focusing solely on specific disciplines. Athletes earn Performance Scores based on their results and placements in competitions. To calculate an athlete’s overall ranking, the best five performances during the ranking period are averaged.
Young’s latest ranking serves as a clear testament to her not only raw speed but her ability to maintain a high level of performance against formidable competition throughout the season. Her ascent into the top five marks a significant milestone for Fiji athletics, particularly in sprint events, as the nation continues to develop its depth and competitiveness in preparation for upcoming regional and international competitions.
Oceania Athletics has announced that the rankings for the Top 10 Pacific male athletes, along with the overall Oceania rankings, will be released soon, creating anticipation for the next generation of standout performers across the region. As the excitement builds, Young’s success shines as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring athletes in Fiji and the broader Pacific community.