In a pioneering move for Niue, 22-year-old Elizabeth Swann has launched the island’s first-ever CrossFit-inspired competition, the Rookie Games, marking a significant milestone in the region’s fitness landscape.
Swann, who is of both Sāmoan and Niuean heritage, relocated to Niue in September 2024 to reconnect with her Niuean roots. Her passion for fitness, deeply influenced by her fitness enthusiast mother, has quickly made her a prominent figure in Niue’s growing fitness community.
Speaking to Island Time host Tofiga Fepulea’i, Swann shared her journey: “I was raised primarily with my Sāmoan heritage, but recently, I felt a strong desire to connect with my Niuean side. I visited Niue with my mother and sister in August, and I immediately felt a deep connection. I decided then to move here,” she said.
Swann’s vision for fitness was brought to life on 1 March 2025 with the debut of the Rookie Games, an event that saw 14 teams—ranging from ages 16 to 67—compete in a series of CrossFit-style challenges. Despite the island’s limited fitness resources, the competition was a resounding success, with participant registrations more than doubling in the final 24 hours.
“Given this was the first event, I aimed for a balanced challenge—something that wasn’t too easy but also not overly difficult,” Swann explained. “With limited equipment, the workouts were all based on dumbbells.”
The Rookie Games garnered tremendous support from the Niue community, with both participants and spectators offering positive feedback. This success has spurred Swann to plan a second event later this year, potentially aligning with the island’s Constitution Day celebrations in October.
“The response has been incredible. It was meant to be an annual event, but with all the enthusiasm from the participants and the community, I’m now looking at hosting another one sooner. I’m reaching out to the government for funding and have received fantastic support from family and friends,” Swann shared.
Looking forward, Swann aims to expand the event, attracting international participants to Niue. “I want to involve more people, including those from overseas. It’s about creating a bigger platform for everyone to be part of,” she said.
Swann, who has embraced the laid-back lifestyle of Niue, reflected on how the experience has been personally rewarding: “Living here is refreshing. The natural environment is beautiful, and the people are so welcoming. I’ve found it incredibly fulfilling to reconnect with my heritage and meet new family members.”
Committed to uplifting Niue’s fitness scene and strengthening community ties, Swann is proud of the progress made and looks forward to what the future holds for both herself and the island.
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