Several PNG Athletes in the USA have made a good start to the 2015 Indoor Track and Field season which for those in Northern Iowa began on 10th January at the University of Minnesota, Mankato. Rellie Kaputin made a great start with a 1.65m high jump and 5.47 in long jump and improved these marks to 1.67 and 5.59 last weekend at Dubuque. Heptathlete Adrine Monagi has posted impressive results in a range of events including 5.38m in long jump , 1.57m in high jump and solid times for 60m hurdles. Sharon Toako is using the indoor season to prepare for the hammer throw and has made a big improvement on her 2014 results in the weight throw. The Pomio girl could only manage 8.92m last season but started her 2015 season with an 11.02 metre throw.
John Rivan started the season with a bang last weekend , equaling Peter Pulu’s national record for 55m with a superb 6.37 seconds to win the event (which had 73 entrants) and now has his sights on Pulu’s 60m national record of 6.79 secs set in 1995. Meanwhile over in Texas eight athletes were in action at Texas Tech last weekend. Sharon Kwarula was very close to her best in 55m hurdles clocking 8.02 seconds in the heats. Cecilia Kumalalamene was also in great form setting a new national indoor record for 800m with a time of 2min 21.18 secs which was two seconds better than her previous best.
Shirley Vunatup , Kevin Kapmatana , Poro Gahekave , Andipas Georasi all had their first taste of indoor running last weekend in Texas with mixed results. On a 200m track with sharp turns, getting into a rhythm is not as easy as on a 400m track. Getting the pace right takes a little practice especially over the longer distances and the athletes are sure to improve as the season progresses.
Last Modified on 26/01/2015 11:02