By Lorraine Genia – EM TV, Port Moresby
Switching codes from taekwondo to athletics, the current record holder for 200m sprints, Nelson Stone, waits in anticipation for 2015.
Growing up in a sport-oriented family, Nelson’s successcomes from a humbling upbringing.
His father, Jamuga Stone, a former taekwondo representative, and older brother Andrew Stone from a rugby league background, were both contributing factors to Nelson’s sporting success
Nelson’s sporting supremacy began when he was only nine years of age when he had won gold at an international taekwondo event. From there onwards, taekwondo had become a significant part of his childhood.
However, it wasn’t till the age of 23 that his mother, Susan Kila Stones, urged him to pursue a career in athletics.
“I watched him run at a school carnival when he was smaller. He ran and came first, and I knew that he could someday compete in athletics,” Susan said.
Her belief in and influence on Nelson pushed him to achieving his best, and within a short time-span Nelson shines as one of Papua New Guinea’s renowned sprinters.
In the year 2007, Nelson made his debut at the South Pacific Games in Apia Samoa.
Following his debut, and building his athletic standing, Stone’s second appearance at the 2011 Pacific Games in Noumea, New Caledonia landed him with his first-ever gold medal for Papua New Guinea, which became the turning point in his sporting career.
Nelson’s never-say-die charisma continues, as he takes very little time off in preparation for the 2015 Pacific Games.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=euAO5PHcUjM%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
