Papua New Guinea’s star sprinter, Pais Wisil, has made national history by breaking a 30-year-old record in the 100 meters, which had been held by former champion Peter Pulu since 1995. Wisil achieved this extraordinary milestone at the 128th Queensland State Track & Field Championships held from 13-16 March 2025, with an impressive time of 10.24 seconds in the Men’s 100m Open B Final.
Wisil’s performance is particularly remarkable, given his familial legacy in sprinting. In the race, he finished second to New South Wales’ Rohan Browning, who clinched gold with a time of 10.12 seconds, aided by a favorable tailwind of 1.2m/s. Macgregor Leavy from the Mayne Harriers followed Wisil, taking third place with a time of 10.85 seconds.
This achievement represents the end of a significant drought for Papua New Guinea in competitive sprinting, with Wisil’s time now officially recognized as the new national benchmark. His accomplishment not only brings pride to his family but also ignites hope for the future of athletics in Papua New Guinea, showcasing the country’s potential on the international stage.
Similar to the emerging athletic prowess being seen in the Pacific Islands, like the recent records set by Fijian athletes David Young in swimming and Rusiate Matai in high jump, Wisil’s success contributes to a growing narrative of sports excellence in the region. These athletes inspire a renewed focus on sports development and provide a sense of optimism for aspiring athletes across the Pacific.
The broader implications of Wisil’s victory and the achievements of his regional counterparts suggest a strong future for athletics among Pacific nations, underscoring the importance of investment and support in nurturing talent. As these athletes break records, they pave the way for future generations, demonstrating that with dedication and hard work, remarkable feats can be accomplished.
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