Team PNG announces final roster for Paris 2024 Olympic

Team Papua New Guinea [PNG]today announced the completion of its roster for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games, with a total of six athletes set to represent the nation in various disciplines.

Three athletes are now part of Team PNG for the Paris Olympics. Josh Tarere and Georgia-Leigh Vele, who are swimmers, will display their skills at the global level. Josh Tarere will take part in the 100m Freestyle on Day 4 of the swimming program, which is set for July 30th, while Georgia-Leigh Vele will compete in the 50m Freestyle on Day 8, August 3rd.

Leoni Beu, an outstanding sprinter from athletics, has also secured her place in the Paris Olympics through universality spots.

Leoni solidified her position as PNG's top sprinter with an impressive season, including recording the fastest 100m time for PNG this year at 11.68 seconds.

She further demonstrated her strength and fitness by achieving sub-24-second performances in the 200m on three occasions within 24 hours, showcasing remarkable improvement and competitiveness against elite athletes from Australia and New Zealand.

Leoni also claimed a bronze medal in a fiercely contested Oceania Championships 100m event.

In a statement, Chef de mission to Paris 2024, Ryan Pini congratulated the national team “As the Chef de Mission, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of our athletes. Your hard work, passion, and resilience have brought you to this pinnacle of sporting achievement, and we are confident that you will represent Papua New Guinea with honour and pride”

“We also express our gratitude to the coaches, support staff, and families who have been instrumental in our athletes' journeys. Your unwavering support and encouragement have been vital to their success. Together, as Team PNG, we are ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will bring. Let us strive for excellence, celebrate our achievements, and make our nation proud.”, Pini reiterated.

These talented athletes, alongside previously qualified team members, Gibson Mara and Kevin Kassman from the sport of Taekwondo, and Morea Baru from Weightlifting, form the core of Team PNG's representation at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Their selection underscores their dedication and achievements in their respective sports, reflecting Papua New Guinea's commitment to excellence on the global sporting stage.