Ten mins with Peniel Richard
PNG Long Jump and Triple Jump National Record Holder
What is your best athletics quality?
I think my best quality in athletics is self-discipline and commitment to training. I prefer to work to with my coach during technical sessions as its a whole lot easier but am always able to find the motivation to train alone.
What do you most enjoy about athletics?
I enjoy competing and experiencing new places.
What age were you when you started your athletics?
I was introduced to athletics at the age of 18 in 2011. I took part in a high school track & field competition and was told about the opportunities that come from doing track. I decided to get involved in athletics and have been loving it since.
What have been your major highlights / achievements in Athletics?
My major highlights would be breaking the national record for PNG, in long and Triple jump and almost reaching the high jump record. (was short by 7cm)
List your current personal best in each event and where?
- Long jump – 7.23 (legal PB. NR) – Texas, USA
- Triple jump – 15.35 (NR) – Florida, Tempa
- High Jump – 2.05 – Cairns (Oceania Championships 2015)
What do you like and dislike about training?
In training I enjoy the specific session where I work on technique that’s when most of the fun stuff occur. I really dislike general conditioning workouts e.g. long reps of 200s and 300s.
Who is your favourite athlete or sportsman/woman of all time and why?
My all-time favourite athlete is Usain Bolt simply because he’s confident and is very inspiring to young athletes in terms of how he acts and speak, plus he’s a great competitor.
What the best part about competing?
The best part about competing is knowing what part in my jumps I should improve on and work on that in training and push my body to max limit.
If you could play another sport what would it be?
I played basketball before athletics and so basketball would be my other alternative.
What is the greatest thing you’ve witnessed in an athletics stadium?
I witnessed Theo Pinau break the PNG National Record in the 200 in a time of 20.97s .
What are some of your medium/short term goals? (within the next year or so)
Short term goal right now is to qualify for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the long and triple jump.
Who do you wish was watching you perform at competition?
My original coach and former national record holder in long jump. Sandy Kafusele.
What is the funniest thing you’ve seen on track?
The fight for first place in the final lap of a 10km race
What is your favourite song to listen to prior to competing?
Rocky training montage.
