YOUTH OLYMPICS
Swimmer Grace Khelan and triathlete Josiah Croker will carry the Fiji flag at the opening ceremony of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games on 31 October.
Swimmer Grace Khelan and triathlete Josiah Croker will carry the Fiji flag at the opening ceremony of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games on 31 October.
The Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) Executive Board approved the pair as Team Fiji's female and male flag bearers. Nominations opened on 23 September and closed on 28 September, with five received from national federations.
Nominees were assessed against three criteria: performance across 2025 and 2026, including results at the 2023 Pacific Games and 2025 Pacific Mini Games; selection as an under-19 member of Team Fiji for Dakar 2026; and conduct reflecting the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect.
Khelan, who will be 14 when the Games open, won gold in the 50m freestyle, silver in the 50m butterfly and bronze in the 100m freestyle in the under-14 age group at the 2026 New Zealand Short Course Championships in Christchurch.
At this year's National Schools Age Group Championships in Suva she broke four national records in the 13–14 years category. She also swam in Fiji's mixed 4x100m freestyle relay team that won gold at the 2026 Oceania Swimming Championships in Suva in an Oceania Championship record time.
In 2025 she won bronze in the 50m butterfly and 50m freestyle at the School Sport Australia Swimming Championships in Brisbane, and set three national records in the girls 13 years category.
Her nomination describes her discipline, humility and commitment to training.
Croker, 16, won bronze in the open mixed relay at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau and youth gold at the 2025 World Triathlon Regional Development Cup in Fiji.
In Tahiti this year he placed ninth of 21 in the elite men's field at the World Triathlon Regional Development Cup, and 13th of 25 in the men's open category at the Pacific Games test event.
His nomination cites his work mentoring younger athletes, community engagement, fair play and leadership.
Team Fiji Chef de Mission for Dakar 2026, Jane Wong-Niubalavu, said both athletes had earned the role through their results and the way they carry themselves.
“Grace and Josiah have already shown what it takes to compete for Fiji at international level. They train hard, they look out for their teammates, and they represent their sports and their families well,” Wong-Niubalavu said.
“Carrying the flag is an honour for any athlete. We know they will lead the team out in Dakar with pride, and the whole country will be behind them.”
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, from 31 October to 13 November, are the first Olympic event held on the African continent.
