Mexico Sr still going strong

FROM humble beginnings to the international limelight, weightlifter Michael Mexico was always destined for success.
It would take a chance opportunity for the man from Enga to showcase to the world his sporting prowess.
Born in 1944 in the Kompiam-Ambum electorate, Mexico always outshone his peers and fellow tribesman and it was this urge that made him leave his humble abode and  seek his destiny in the coastal town of Lae, Morobe, where he has lived since. At the tender age of 23, Mexico took up weightlifting and in 1978, represented Papua New Guinea at an international competition in Mexico — the country whose name he adopted after winning a bronze medal, the first medal won by a Papua New Guinean in weightlifting.
A year on and wiser, Mexico would make history, bagging a gold medal in the 1979 South Pacific Games, and he would continue that successful trend winning medals in Tahiti, Guam, a silver medal in Fiji, Western Samoa  and at his final meet in 1982 in Brisbane.
Realising his vast experience and knowledge of weightlifting could be put to better use he helped found the PNG Weightlifting Association PNG in 1991.
His efforts did not go unnoticed, with Mexico earning a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his services to weight lifting in 2009.
Now living in retirement at Kamkumung, Lae, the 72-year-old helps his surrounding community, imparting knowledge and wisdom gained from his experiences in sport and life.
His age however has not stopped him from enjoying the company of his wife, children and grandchildren who he says, are the source of his longevity and his success in life so far. Mexico is the father of Kumul prop Mark Mexico, who plays for the Sheffield Eagles in English rugby league’s second division.