Team Papua New Guinea has arrived in Darwin ready to make an impact at the 2026 Oceania Athletics Championships, bringing a squad packed with national record holders and rising talent.

Many of the athletes have featured on PNG’s Commonwealth Games long list, and the depth across both senior and junior ranks points to a team building something strong.

The sprints will be a major area of strength. Pais Wisil and Tovetuna (Timothy) Tuna headline the group, sharing the national record over 100m. Wisil comes into the championships off the back of a strong indoor season, where he matched the national 60m record in 2026 Indoors and Outdoors.

There’s also a strong sense of legacy around Wisil, following in the footsteps of his sister Toea Wisil, who dominated the 100m at Oceania level across the late 2000s and early 2010s.

Tuna, the national record holder over 200m, returns after a training block in Papua New Guinea and will be a key part of the 4x100m relay squad. PNG will be looking to defend the title they claimed in Suva in 2024.

Leroy Kamau adds further depth to the sprint squad, returning to international competition after stepping away following the 2023 Pacific Games.

In the field, Lakona Gerega leads the men’s javelin group after a standout 2025 where he repeatedly reset the national record. He heads into Darwin aiming to push the mark even further.

Adrine Monagi lines up in the 100m hurdles after a strong season competing across South East Queensland, continuing to build on her national record performances.

Across the team, there’s a clear blend of experience and emerging talent, with Under 18 and Under 20 athletes coming through and adding to the depth of Papua New Guinea athletics.

For Wisil, the recent surge in performances across PNG sprinting is about more than just times on the clock.

“That’s my inspiration and that’s my dream, to inspire others, to be at the top and show the world that they can do it,” he said.

“I want to be a role model, to break that barrier and show that others can follow.”

Full team list:

With momentum building and a strong relay team in the mix, Papua New Guinea shapes as one of the teams to watch in Darwin.

–ENDS–