Baul still far from his best

**Napapar native Daniel Baul (right) leading the field in last weekend’s PNG Air National Track and Field Championships in Kimbe, West New Britain.**

By MICHAEL PHILIP
DANIEL Baul says he is still far from his best despite the sprinter starring in last weekend’s PNG Air National Track and Field Championships in Kimbe, West New Britain.
He began his athletics career as a 19-year-old taking part in the New Guinea Islands championships in Kavieng and was later got recognised by national selectors to join the national athletics team.
In 2017, study commitments brought Baul to Port Moresby, where he joined the team under Southern Star Athletics Club for two years.
“I’ve got no idea where this sport will bring me, but what matters is my passion for athletics,” he said.
“After competing in the New Guinea Islands Championships from 2015 and 2016, I was offered an opportunity to study in Port Moresby, so I flew over and joined the national athletics team.
“Never in my wildest dreams would I have expected to be where I am today.
“I didn’t expect all these achievements, but I thank the good Lord for the strength and direction He has given me.”
In 2019, Baul was selected to represent Papua New Guinea for the first time during in the Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa.
“It was always my dream to one day represent PNG,” he said.

**New Guinea Islander Daniel Baul (right) first represented Papua New Guinea in the 2019 Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa.**

“Despite not making the national team in the first two years, I never gave up.
“I remained focused on improving my times as it was the only way I could earn a spot in the team.
“So I was excited to finally make the team for the Pacific Games in Samoa.”
Last weekend’s championships at Sasi Muthuvel Stadium saw the 25-year-old claiming gold in 400m, 400m hurdles (53.8 seconds), 200m (21.8s) and 110m hurdles (15.4s).
Baul’s time of 47.1s in the 400m heats was the equal second-fastest hand-held time by any PNG athlete, joining Subul Babo and Baobo Duaba-Neuendorf on the list of all-time best.
“It felt good, getting those results,” the East New Briton said.
“But to be honest, I’m not satisfied with them because they weren’t what I had anticipated.
“I know I should have done better.”
The Napapar native aims to continue improving his speed, endurance and strength while maintaining a healthy diet in preparation for next year’s Pacific Mini Games in Saipan, Northern Marianas.