Ten Minutes with Adrine Monagi
2015 Pacific Games Heptathlon Champion
PNG Heptathlon National Record Holder
What is your best athletics quality?
Shutting out negativity during practice is one of my best athletics quality. My faith behind closed doors makes me stronger during practice and that carries through to competition. Being spiritually prepared sets the pace for my body to physically endure tough training which in the end makes competing a lot easier.
What do You most enjoy about athletics?
I enjoy travelling to other countries for competition and training with a group of athletes.
What age were you when you started your athletics?
I was 13 years old when I first started taking an interest in athletics. My older brother competed for PNG in the multi events and I wanted to be like him.
What have been your major highlights / achievements in Athletics?
Breaking the PNG Heptathlon National record that stood for many years was definitely the highlight of my career.
List your current personal best in each event and where?
- Heptathlon – 5221pts – San Angelo, Texas
- 100mH – 14.07sec – Commerce, Texas
- Shot Put – 11.68m – Bradenton, Florida
- High Jump – 1.70m – Port Moresby, PNG
- Javelin – 41.26m – Commerce, Texas
- 800m – 2:20.67 – Bradenton, Florida
- Long Jump – 5.76m – San Angelo, Texas
- 200m – 25.19sec – San Angelo, Texas
What do you like and dislike about training?
I like training in a group because every athlete pushes each other to be the best. I dislike too much fussing and complaints during practice.
Who is your favourite athlete or sportsman/woman of all time and why?
Jessica Ennis-Hill is my favourite athlete. She is an amazing heptathlete with a beautiful personality.
What the best part about competing?
Getting to compete against someone you train with in an International meet.
If you could play another sport what would it be?
Shooting.
What is the greatest thing you’ve witnessed in an athletics stadium?
I watched Usain Bolt compete at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Everyone goes crazy in the presence Bolt and I was one of them.
What are some of your medium/short term goals? (within the next year or so)
Switch from doing 7 events to just two. Before I took on heptathlon I was a sprinter so it would makes sense for me to choose 100mH and all sprint events.
Who do you wish was watching you perform at every game or match?
My family. They mean the world to me, It would be great if they witnessed me winning one my races.
What is the funniest thing you’ve seen on track?
I have seen a lot of funny things happen on track but cant recall any specific event.
What is your favourite song to listen to prior to competing?
Giants Fall, Francesa Battistelli
