Athletics community mourns the passing of Joseph Rodan Junior

Athletics

Athletics community mourns the passing of Joseph Rodan Junior

By Navitalai Naivalurua

15/01/2026

Joseph Rodan Junior (Photo: Oceania Athletics)

The Oceania Athletics family is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Joseph Rodan Junior, a Fijian national and international representative athlete, leader, and advocate for sport, who lost his courageous battle with illness on Tuesday.

Oceania Athletics says Rodan Junior’s impact on athletics was profound and far-reaching and as an athlete, he represented Fiji at two Commonwealth Games in 1998 and 2002, and competed in multiple South Pacific Games, Mini Games, Oceania Championships, and Australian Championships.

They say he was a three-time gold medallist in decathlon and famously became the youngest male decathlete to win gold at the South Pacific Games at just 17-years-old.

Rodan Junior also held national records in pole vault and hurdles and earned collegiate scholarships to compete in the United States.

They say that Rodan Junior still holds the Oceania Area 50 metres hurdles indoor record and amongst his other achievements were Gold Medals in Decathlon at the 1995, 1997, 1999, and 2003 at the South Pacific Games (now Pacific Games), and his 110 metres hurdles Gold Medal at the Oceania Championships in 2000.

The Association says beyond his achievements on the track, Rodan Junior dedicated his life to developing athletics in Fiji and across Oceania.

He served as Chief Development Officer and Interim Vice President of Athletics Fiji, managed national teams, and secured historic sponsorships that strengthened the sport’s future.

Rodan Junior founded the Trailblazers Athletics Club, championed youth programs, and played a pivotal role in modernizing governance and strategic planning for Athletics Fiji.

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