Who will be the next PNG Sprinter?

Papua New Guinea (PNG) continues to make its mark on the athletics stage, with its sprinters showcasing remarkable speed and determination. From historic records to modern achievements, PNG’s fastest men have inspired a new generation of athletes across the country.

At the top of the list is Pais Wisil, who blazed across the track with a 10.24-second 100m sprint at the Queensland State Track and Field Championships in Brisbane in March 2025. His performance set a new national record and cemented his place among PNG’s fastest sprinters.

Equally impressive is Tovetuna Tuna, who matched that national record with a 10.24-second sprint at the Texas Tech Corky/Crofoot Shootout in Lubbock, USA, in May 2025. Both athletes now share the honour of holding PNG’s 100m national record, highlighting the rising talent of the nation on international stages.

Looking back, Peter Pulu dominated PNG sprinting in the 1990s. His 10.40-second 100m run in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1995 stood as the national record for nearly three decades and inspired a generation of young sprinters to follow in his footsteps.

More recently, Leroy Kamau clocked 10.46 seconds at the Friends University Spring Invitational in Wichita, Kansas, USA, in March 2023, proving that PNG sprinters continue to compete strongly on the global stage. Meanwhile, Nelson Stone, known primarily for his achievements in the 400 metres, recorded a 10.59-second 100m sprint in Cairns, Australia, in September 2010, placing him among PNG’s notable historic sprinters.

These athletes highlight PNG’s growing presence in athletics and the dedication required to compete at the highest level. From national competitions to international meets, PNG’s sprinters are not only breaking records but also inspiring the next generation of athletes to chase their dreams on the track.

The question now is: with these rising high-level achievements, will athletics in Papua New Guinea see increased support and funding to help develop the next generation of elite sprinters?