For 16-year-old Don Heflin, a sophomore at Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School, sports have always been a part of life. From basketball and hockey to track and football, he's tried them all. But one competition stands apart, capturing his heart for over a decade: the Native Youth Olympics.
While other sports focus on team rivalry, Heflin discovered something deeper in NYO—a profound sense of community and positivity often missing elsewhere. "I really found my love for NYO with the community," Heflin shared. "It was hard to find the support in other sports and the positivity that these games have."
His journey began in the first grade with Junior NYO, and for this proud Inupiaq athlete, the games are more than just competition. They are a vibrant connection to his heritage. "It's coming from our people, so it makes me proud to compete here," he said, emphasizing that the true spirit often overshadows the scoreboard. "Half of the time, you're not really competing."
As the 2026 senior games unfolded at the Alaska Airlines Center, Heflin embodied this philosophy. He believes the events, which test strength, balance, and agility, are less about gold medals and more about personal challenge and cultural celebration. "A lot of people lose the spirit of these games over time," he noted. "These are to have fun and test yourself."
True to form, Heflin showcased both skill and spirit on the mats. On the first day, he secured second-place finishes in the demanding toe kick and Alaskan High Kick events. His favorite, the two-foot high kick, saw him earn another second-place result with a mark of 94 inches. He appreciates this event for being slightly easier on the body compared to the jarring impact of the one-foot high kick or scissor broad jump.
He also finds a unique calm in the one-arm reach, an event that prioritizes focus and flexibility over pure power. This balance of intense physical tests and mindful disciplines is what makes NYO so special. For Don Heflin, it's not the podium that defines success, but the camaraderie, culture, and personal growth found within these ancient games—a winning mindset for any athlete.