Two young athletes who had the opportunity to train in China for four months earlier this year say the experience has been hugely beneficial in their development.

Basqua Maualaivao and Isaka Mulipola, who are both students at St. Joseph’s College, say they are grateful for the opportunity, which they hope to build on as they advance their careers

The athletes took part in the recent Secondary School Athletics Champ of Champs.

Maualaivao, of Malie, is a long jump and triple jump athlete.

"When we were training here in our school, we only focused our training on our speed and steps,” he said.

But the opportunity to be exposed to China’s training methods taught him there was a lot more to the sport.

“It terms of techniques, we had to learn so much more,” he said.

"Before I went to China my personal jump was 11cm. My first trial in China was 12cm and so I improved. I’m still learning.”

Mulipola, of Falefa, is a long distance runner. He competes in the 1500metres.

“I learnt so much when we were in China,” he said.

“In China, we had lots of rest time and the food was balanced, which complimented the training we did everyday.”

"The difference with our training here in Samoa and China was the food. We will have tough training sessions here and we eat bad food, it was not balanced. But in China, everything was good and balanced.”

Mulipola is adamant he is a better athlete today after the China trip. He is also keen to share his newfound knowledge with other young athletes.