Trio are world class

PAPUA New Guinea’s track athletes are developing into world class competitors, according to PNG Athletics Union president Tony Green.
He was referring to 100m and 200m specialist Toea Wisil, distance runner Salome Dell (800m and 1,500m) and  100m and 200m champion Nelson Stone. He said they had all performed admirably and showed that they could take on the world’s best.
“We knew the three were in good form going in and they’ve done really well.
“They’ve been consistent in their lead-up preparations and have competed extremely well against world class athletes at this Commonwealth Games.
“Stone ran some great times in the 100m and 200m and he only took up athletics two years ago.”
Green was especially pleased with both women whom he described as being the best in the Pacific and were strong medal chances for next year’s Pacific Games in New Caledonia.
“I’m pleased with Toea and Salome because what they have achieved.”
Wisil made the final of the women’s 100m clocking 11.52 and finishing fifth.
She also scored a personal best in the semi-final clocking 11.49. She also qualified for the 200m final finishing seventh.
“Toea has really learned how to race in the big events and that is a testament to her training and attitude.”
Dell, although not making the final of the 1,500m and just missing out on the 800m final, still managed to post times that are without peer in the Pacific.
“Salome has no competition in the Pacific in the 800m and has a very good 1,500m time so she has also benefited from all the training,” Green said.
He added that the trio had benefited from Brisbane-based athletics coach Lloyd Way’s stewardship and it was very pleasing to see PNG athletes continue to make progress.