Laulauga Tausaga-Collins, the 2023 World Athletics Champion in women’s discus, is emerging as a key figure in the world of track and field—not only for her historic achievements but also for her growing role as a mentor and coach.
Featured in Season 3 of “Road to TrackTown”, a 2025 digital docuseries by TrackTown USA, Tausaga-Collins represents resilience, evolution, and inspiration in athletics.
Born on May 22, 1998, in Hawaii, Tausaga-Collins began her rise through high school success and a standout collegiate career at the University of Iowa. There, she became the 2019 NCAA Discus Champion and earned All-American honors eight times. Her college accolades include six Big Ten titles and a dozen All-Big Ten selections.
Her defining moment came at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, where she threw a personal best of 69.49 meters to become the first American woman to win gold in the event. This victory, a leap of over four meters beyond her previous best, followed less successful finishes at the 2019 and 2022 World Championships—underscoring her perseverance and growth.
Despite this high point, 2024 brought a major setback. Tausaga-Collins failed to qualify for the Paris Olympics after fouling all three attempts during the U.S. trials.
However, she rebounded quickly, channeling her energy into community involvement and coaching. At an Olympic Day event in March 2024, she inspired students by demonstrating discus techniques and sharing her story, emphasizing the “brilliance of the field part of track and field.”
Her feature in “Road to TrackTown” Season 3, launched in partnership with TOGETHXR, marks a new chapter. The series, highlighting an all-woman cast in 2025, offers behind-the-scenes glimpses into athletes’ preparations and personal journeys.
Tausaga-Collins stands out not only for her athletic ambitions but also her growing role as a mentor and coach—a dual identity central to her evolving narrative.
Behind her success lies a strong support system, including coaches like John Dagata and her family. In interviews and podcasts, Tausaga-Collins has candidly discussed overcoming physical challenges like gout and finding validation through hard work and faith.
As of May 2025, while specific competition plans remain unannounced, her ongoing training and coaching role suggest she remains a competitive force.
Whether through future championships or mentorship, Laulauga Tausaga-Collins continues to shape the future of track and field—both in the circle and beyond.
