Sharon Toako set a new PNG national record for the women’s discus in Port Moresby last weekend with a distance of 38.96metres, eclipsing the mark of 38.46 set by heptathlete Iammo Launa in 1993, also in Port Moresby. Toako is better known as the National Record Holder and 2019 Pacific Games gold medallist in the Javelin. The throw last Saturday took everyone by surprise including coach Paul Bannister as the athletes have been in a period of heavy training in preparation for next months National Championships and there were no great expectations of anyone before the Meet. Toako returned from the USA in July after completing her studies in Forestry at New Mexico Highlands University. After completing her two weeks quarantine and when training facilities reopened in September she joined Bannister’s group which includes other National Team Members Lakona Gerega and Jackie Travertz, as well as Tokyo, targeted Para Athletes Morea Mararos and Nelly Leva.
The athletes are now all looking forward to the National Championships which will be held from 4 to 6 December.
