Sprinter Stone looking forward to his first run

By ISAAC LIRI
SPRINTER Nelson Stone is looking forward to his first Pacific Mini Games where despite only listed to run in the relays.
The 33-year-old was satisfied with his preparations with his aim to qualify for the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast next year.
“This will be my first Mini Games and I will be running in the relays only. No individual events for me,” Stone, who has won gold medals in the 200m at the last two Pacific Games, said.
“I’m happy with my preparations, everything has gone well so far.”
Stone said he was excited for the national squad with a lot of talent that would ensure PNG kept its status as the Pacific Islands’ top performing team in the athletics.
“Athletics is a very tricky sport, one week you’re in form and you perform well and sometimes it doesn’t happen for you. It depends on those individual athletes,” Stone said.
“I think there are some really good athletes coming up like Charles Livian of East New Britain.
“Charles won the gold medal in the 100m at the PNG games. I know him as a strong athlete and he can go further to the Pacific Games and even continue on to other major international events but again it depends on how committed he is and his preparation.
“As for me, I am chasing my third Commonwealth Games appearance.”