Debono Paraka smashed the PNG National Record in the discus throw in Port Moresby over the weekend.
Paraka threw the 2 kilogram discus 48.24 metres to better the previous record of 45.62 metres set in April 1990, by Eric Momberger in Norman, Oklahoma.
Paraka, who was identified in December 2013 through the PNG Sports Foundation-funded Talent Identification programme run by Athletics PNG, has been threatening to break the record for some time, as he has consistently been throwing over 45 metres in training.
Coach Paul Bannister said Paraka should be proud of his achievement, but both athlete and coach know there is plenty of room for improvement in technique and fitness.
His current prospect is to earn gold come the 2015 Pacific Games.
Meanwhile, Athletics PNG will also be sending a number of athletes for the jumping events, along with both the women’s heptathlon and men’s octathlon as part of its continuing development program towards the Pacific Games.
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