PAPUA New Guinea’s Masters sprinter, Rachael Laing, will depart for Sweden tomorrow to compete in her first World Masters Athletics Championships in the 60plus category.
Laing, who will compete in the women’s 60plus 100m sprint, is the only athlete representing Papua New Guinea at the age of 62.
Laing’s coach, Nelson Stone, expressed confidence in her performance, noting the progress they’ve made since starting training in January.
“We had a downfall with a minor injury which last month we have been working very hard on. She has been really going well with the preparations, picking at the right time and I believe she is going to win a medal at the world championships,” he said.
Coach Stone highlighted Laing’s success in two major events last year, where she won several gold medals for the country.
“We have been to the Asia Pacific masters in South Korea and Oceania Masters in Northern Mariana last year and she did really well by picking up six gold medals from the two international events,” Stone said.
Stone emphasized that winning gold in that category gives hope and is a strong indicator of Laing’s potential performance at the World Championships.
“In her category we do not get much of that age training like the way she is doing right now under my training and I have put up some tough training and know she is going to win a medal,” coach stone expressed.
Team Manager Michelle Hau’ofa praised Laing’s enthusiasm, commitment, and perseverance, calling her an inspiration to women of her age in Papua New Guinea.
“At the age of 55, seeing her achieve some of this fantastic thing is such an inspiration for us,” she said.
She urged Papua New Guineans to rally behind Rachael and cheer her on as she represents the country in Sweden.
She highlighted Laing’s impressive record, having won six gold and three silver medals in regional competitions.
Hau’ofa and Coach Stone also thanked those who supported Laing’s journey, including Minister for Civil Aviation, Hon Walter Schnaubelt, who provided funding.
She thanked Minister Schnaubelt, noting that as a former PNG athlete in combat sports, he understands the importance of supporting the country’s sportsmen and women.
She called on business organizations to show their support as Laing is the only athlete representing PNG on the world stage.
