Tuna proud of son Timothy

By PARKER TAMBUA
PAPUA New Guinea sprint legend Takale Tuna is proud of his son Timothy for being shortlisted as the finalist for the SP Sports Awards’ junior male athlete of the year category.
Takale, who is a six-time Pacific Games gold medallist, told The National earlier this month that he wanted his son to make a name for himself as a sprinter.
Timothy won the Under-18 200m final of last year’s national championships at Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby.
While his dad is happy for Timothy to follow in his footstep, Tuna said he didn’t want his son to emulate him but be himself.
“I always discourage my kids to emulate me,” Takale said.
“I tell them that they have to find their place, their own path.
“I tell them that schooling is more important and they have to focus on that, but Timothy took on the challenge. He ran the fastest time in 2019 national championships in Kimbe.
“And last year, he won the 200m final at the national championships.
“He is doing great and I am excited to see how far he can go.”
“I don’t really put pressure on him. I always tell him to make his own mark.”