Breaking Barriers: How One Samoan Woman is Changing the Face of Global Triathlon
Lani Young's appointment to the World Triathlon Commission for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion marks a pivotal shift toward inclusion and opportunity for Pacific Island athletes.
For the first time in triathlon history, a voice from the Pacific Islands is set to influence diversity and inclusion policies at the sport's highest level. This groundbreaking moment comes as global sports organizations increasingly recognize the critical need for diverse representation within their governance structures.
Lani Young's appointment to the World Triathlon Commission for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is more than a personal achievement—it represents a pivotal shift towards inclusive sports governance that opens new pathways for Pacific Island athletes who have long been underrepresented on the world stage.
Historic Milestone: Breaking New Ground in Global Sports Governance
The announcement by Triathlon Samoa and the Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC) carries profound significance. Young becomes the first Samoan to serve on any Commission of the world governing body for triathlon, joining a seven-member international commission that advises the World Triathlon Executive Board and Congress on critical diversity and inclusion matters.
The DEI Commission, chaired by Ireland's Bernard Hanratty, brings together voices from across the globe, including representatives from Togo, USA, Barbados, Iran, and Vietnam. Young's addition ensures that Pacific Island perspectives—representing millions of people across dozens of island nations—finally have a seat at the table where policies affecting global triathlon are shaped.
The Commission's mandate is clear: ensure fair and equal treatment and opportunity for all individuals, regardless of gender, race, origin, or ability, by advising on and influencing decisions and policies within the sport. For Pacific Island athletes who have historically faced significant barriers to international competition, this representation could prove transformational.
The Leader Behind the Achievement
Young brings a unique combination of grassroots advocacy and high-level sports governance experience to her new role. As a long-serving gender equality advocate in Samoa and the Pacific region, she understands firsthand the challenges facing athletes in geographically isolated communities.
Currently serving as an Executive Board member for Triathlon Samoa and Vice-President of the Oceania Triathlon Confederation, Young has been instrumental in driving systematic change across Pacific triathlon. Her leadership style combines practical problem-solving with a deep commitment to athlete development—qualities that have already yielded remarkable results.
Since the new Oceania Board's election in November 2024, Young has been part of the team that has ushered in key initiatives for developing triathlon in the Pacific, including the establishment of East and West Hubs with dedicated Regional Development Coordinators. These structural changes address one of the most significant challenges facing Pacific athletes: access to consistent, high-quality training and competition opportunities.
Transforming Pacific Triathlon: From Isolation to Integration
The timing of Young's appointment coincides with perhaps the most significant development in Pacific triathlon history: the launch of the Regional Development Cup series, beginning December 2024. This initiative fundamentally changes the competitive landscape for Pacific Island athletes.
Previously, as Young explains, "For so many years triathletes in the region could only race 'internationally' once every 4 years at the Pacific Games." This isolation severely limited athletes' ability to gain international experience, earn world ranking points, and develop their competitive edge against global competition.
The new Regional Development Cup series changes everything. Athletes will now have access to international competition at least twice per year, with events rotating between Guam, Tahiti, Samoa, and Papua New Guinea. The first event, hosted by Fiji in December 2024, marks the beginning of a new era for Pacific triathlon.
Crucially, travel and accommodation will be fully funded for two athletes and a coach from every island country—removing the financial barriers that have historically prevented many talented Pacific athletes from competing internationally. Athletes will also earn World Triathlon ranking points at these events, providing a pathway to higher-level international competitions.
Real Impact: Athletes Making History
The transformation Young has helped orchestrate is already producing remarkable results. Manamea Schwalger recently made history as the first woman from Samoa to compete at a Triathlon World Championships, placing 52nd globally at the 2025 Age Group World Championships in Wollongong, Australia.
At just 19 years old, Schwalger exemplifies the new generation of Pacific athletes benefiting from improved governance and opportunities. Her achievement—completing a 750m swim, 20km bike ride, and 5km run at the world's highest level—demonstrates the talent that has long existed in the Pacific but lacked adequate support systems. For athletes looking to improve their swimming performance, proper training and equipment are essential.
"As Captain of our National Team, Athlete Representative on the Triathlon Samoa Executive Board, and advocate for her fellow athletes, she leads by example," Young notes. "Her debut on the World Triathlon stage and the first time for any woman to represent Samoa at an Age Group Triathlon World Champs—we look forward to many more international races for this young athlete."
The success extends beyond individual achievements. Darren Young achieved 32nd place in the 55-59 age group at the same World Championships, continuing to set an inspirational example for athletes across all age groups and sports. For those training for similar age group competitions, proper preparation is key.
Enhanced Development Through Integration
Young's vision extends beyond competition alone. The Regional Cup races will be held alongside Development Camps hosting workshops and training sessions for both athletes and coaches. This holistic approach addresses the infrastructure needs that have historically limited Pacific triathlon development.
These camps will provide:
- Technical skills development for athletes
- Coach education and certification programs
- Sports science and training methodology workshops
- Equipment and facility development guidance
- Administrative and governance training
By combining competition with education, the program creates sustainable development that strengthens the entire triathlon ecosystem across the Pacific region. Athletes preparing for these events can benefit from quality gear like adjustable UV400 swim goggles for optimal performance in open water conditions.
Future Vision: A Model for Inclusive Sports Development
Young's appointment and the accompanying structural changes represent more than progress for triathlon—they provide a model for inclusive sports development that could be replicated across other international sporting organizations.
"This opens an exciting doorway for our Pacific athletes and I'm proud to be part of making this happen," Young explains. Her role on the DEI Commission positions her to influence policies that could benefit underrepresented communities globally, not just in the Pacific.
The systematic approach—combining governance reform, infrastructure development, competition opportunities, and educational support—demonstrates how meaningful inclusion requires comprehensive change rather than symbolic gestures. This mirrors the approach needed for effective triathlon training.
Long-term Implications for Pacific Sports
The impact of Young's appointment extends beyond triathlon into broader Pacific sports development. Her success in reforming triathlon governance structures in Samoa—establishing a properly registered incorporated administrative body focused on athlete development—provides a template for other sports organizations across the region.
The positive results already achieved demonstrate the power of focused, athlete-centered governance. By prioritizing development over politics and inclusion over tradition, Young and her colleagues have created measurable improvements in athlete opportunities and outcomes.
Her position on the World Triathlon DEI Commission also provides Pacific sports with an influential advocate in international forums, potentially opening doors for similar representation in other global sporting organizations.
The Ripple Effect of Representation
Young's historic appointment creates multiple positive feedback loops for Pacific sports development:
- Enhanced Visibility: Pacific Island athletes and their achievements gain greater recognition on the global stage, inspiring the next generation of competitors.
- Policy Influence: Having Pacific perspectives in global sports governance ensures that the unique challenges facing island nations are understood and addressed in international policies.
- Resource Access: Direct representation often leads to improved resource allocation and targeted development programs. Athletes can now access better training resources, including quality equipment like magnesium citrate supplements for recovery and performance.
- Cultural Understanding: Pacific values and approaches to sports development can influence global best practices, creating more culturally responsive programs.
Key Takeaways for the Future
Young's appointment and the accompanying Regional Development Cup series represent a watershed moment for Pacific sports. The comprehensive approach—addressing governance, competition, education, and infrastructure simultaneously—provides a sustainable foundation for long-term growth.
For Pacific Island athletes, the changes mean:
- Regular international competition opportunities
- Fully funded travel and accommodation
- Access to world-class coaching and development programs
- Pathways to global ranking and elite competition
- Representation in international sports governance
For the broader sports community, this model demonstrates how thoughtful inclusion initiatives can create meaningful change that benefits both underrepresented communities and the global sport as a whole. Those interested in supporting their own athletic performance can learn from this holistic approach.
Taking Action: Supporting Pacific Sports Development
As the Regional Development Cup series launches and Young takes her place on the global stage, there are several ways to support this historic development:
- Follow the Progress: Stay updated on Regional Cup events and Pacific athlete achievements to show support for these groundbreaking initiatives. Track the latest developments in triathlon events worldwide.
- Share the Stories: Help amplify the achievements of Pacific Island athletes and the significance of inclusive governance in sports.
- Support Local Development: Consider how similar inclusive approaches could benefit sports development in your own community or region. Whether you're training for your first race or competing at elite levels, having the right equipment matters—from anti-fog swim goggles to proper hydration solutions.
Lani Young's appointment to the World Triathlon Commission for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion represents more than a personal achievement—it's a victory for inclusive sports governance that will create opportunities for generations of Pacific Island athletes. As the Regional Development Cup series begins and Pacific athletes take their place on the world stage, we're witnessing the beginning of a new chapter in global sports that prioritizes opportunity, inclusion, and the transformative power of representation.
