Hello,
My name is Sami Latu. I've been a track and field athlete for over 15 years and currently compete for the Tongan National Track and Field Team and in the Stawell Gift.
I hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Exercise Science and a Diploma of Counselling, and am a registered member of the Australian Counselling Association.
I founded SSM Sports Counselling because, throughout my athletic journey, I was blessed with an amazing support network that allowed me to overcome the many highs and lows of sport.
My goal is to provide athletes of all levels, from elite to local with the same opportunity for support, to help them navigate challenges, enhance their performance, and find greater fulfilment in both sport and life.
Achievements & Experience
2025 Bill Howard Winner
The Bill Howard is a novice 100m race held as part of the Stawell Gift carnival. Winning this event marked a significant milestone in my athletic journey, becoming my first individual title after 14 years of dedication to sprinting.
This achievement was an incredibly meaningful achievement for me, because it symbolised years of commitment from my family and team.
Having that special moment with my family and team, knowing that the journey had finally resulted in a personal victory was an unforgettable experience.
Tongan National Track Team Representative
Being selected to represent Tonga in 2023 was a defining moment in my athletic journey. After many years of dedication and moments where I questioned my commitment, this opportunity renewed my motivation and reminded me why I pursued athletics.
Representing Tonga gave me a renewed sense of purpose and inspired me to continue developing not only as an athlete, but also as a person. It's a strong reminder of my commitment towards my faith and the blessing I chose to pursue in my youth.
2023 - South Pacific Island Games
2024 - Fiji Oceanic Championships
2025 - Tonga Oceanic Cup
2026 - Darwin Oceania Championships
Junior Vic Team Representation
Throughout my junior athletics journey, I was fortunate enough to be selected to represent Victoria on three occasions across both the 400m and long jump. These opportunities were a reflection of my families commitment to my development and the lessons I learned in discipline and commitment.
One of my proudest achievements as a junior athlete came at the 2019 Australian U18 National Championships, where I placed 5th in the long jump.
This result was a significant milestone for me, representing years of training and the peak of my junior career.
2017 Junior Track & Field Championships 400m
2018 Junior Track & Field Championships 400m, Long Jump
2019 Junior Track & Field Championships Long Jump
(5th place)
Wantirna College Sports Counsellor
Over the past six months, I have had the privilege of volunteering as a Sports Counsellor with the Wantirna College Wellbeing Team. In this role, I have provided one-on-one counselling and facilitated small group wellbeing programs for students enrolled in the College's Sports Excellence Program—a year-long elective designed to support high-performing student-athletes who aspire to compete at higher levels of their sport.
This experience has been invaluable to my professional development as a counsellor, providing the opportunity to support under-18 athletes competing in elite development pathways, including the Eastern Ranges and Vic Metro EFNL programs. It has further strengthened the practical skills and theoretical knowledge gained through my Diploma of Counselling and bachelor's degrees in Exercise Science and Psychology.