Samuela Yavala first represented Fiji in Athletics in the 1969 South Pacific Games at the age of 21 years when he won 1 gold and 1 silver medal. He again represented Fiji in the 1971 South Pacific Games and won 2 gold and 2 silver medals. His last appearance for Fiji as a competitor was in the 1979 South Pacific Games where he won 2 gold medals.
From 1972 to 1976 Samuela was at the Eastern New Mexico University where he held 7 Easter New Mexico University records in 200 metres, 400 metres, 4 x 100 metres and 4 x 400 metres, sprints medley and distance medley.
His achievements in the United States during his student days led to his recognition as an `All American’.
During his athletics career Samuela Yavala held a number if national and regional records, some of them stood for over 20 years. His 200 metres Native Record of 21.5 seconds set on 10 April 1971, was broken in 1993. His 400 metres South Pacific Games record of 47.8 seconds set in 1971 Games was broken in 1991 in Papau New Guinea. His Native long jump record of 7.26 metres set on 14 April 1973 and the Native and Allcomers Record of 10.86 seconds in 100 metres set in 1979.
Having retired from the active competition Samuela now works for Fiji Sports Council and is actively involved with the Fiji Amateur Athletics Association as a coach.