Pais Wisil collects two SP Sports Awards

Papua New Guinea’s sprint sensation Pais Wisil stole the spotlight, winning the Male Athlete of the Year and People's Choice Award during the 34th SP Sports Awards held on Saturday night, 30 May 2026, at the Crown Hotel in Port Moresby.

Wisil impressed on the track last year, breaking Peter Pulu's 30-year national 100m record and setting the new national 60m record earlier in the year with 6.64 seconds in Canberra, Australia.

Then at the Pacific Mini Games in Palau, he backed it up by winning Gold in the Men’s 100m and helping Team PNG win Gold in the 4x100m relay in another national record time.

The new “Sprint King” did not attend the event as he was in Australia training for his next competition, but was honored to have Geoffrey Gideon there to receive the prestigious awards on his behalf.

Wisil said he was grateful and privileged to receive the awards: “I am very humbled to have been named the Male Athlete of the Year, and also named the People's Choice winner is incredible.

“I had a big breakthrough in 2025, but I am proud that I have continued that on with consistency in my performances through to 2026.

“I have a lot of people to thank, but firstly, thank you to the panel for choosing me, and a huge thank you to every single person who voted for me in the People's Choice. It is special to know I have so much support.”

He acknowledged the SP Sports Awards, sponsors, the PNG Athletics, and the winners and runners-up of the 34th SP Sports Awards. 

“Thank you, SP Sports Awards, for having this event organized every year and showcasing sports in PNG,” Wisil said.

“To all the sponsors and athletes, I appreciate everything you do. Without your support, we can not get even close to our goals and dreams.  

“Congratulations to all the other finalists. It is a huge honor to be a finalist. Shout out to my squad member, Adrine Monagi, for being named a finalist in the Female Athlete of the Year for the second year in a row.

“I also thank the Athletics PNG INC and the PNG Olympic Committee for allowing me to represent my country and train to be the best athlete I can be.

“To PNG National Sports Institute, you have been there right from the very start and still follow and support me.”

The Jiwaka man expressed his appreciation to the coaches, teammates, and family for their steadfast support.

“To my family, you love and support me unconditionally, and have made me into the person I am today. You encouraged me to dream and follow those dreams. I hope to make you proud always,” he stated. 

“My team, Fairweather Track Squad, and their families, who have all become my extended family. There have been struggles, and you have all noticed and stepped in, giving me food, training gear, massages, getting me to competitions, and even a home. I am forever grateful because you didn’t have to do it, but did it. I appreciate you all.

“Our team of professionals, who all believe in me and help keep me on track and continue finding little improvements, the support you provided to my coaches and me is really appreciated. I am blessed with the best.

“My coaches, Tony and Alison. I say it all the time, but I am beyond blessed to have you both. I am grateful that Toea (elder sister) brought me to you. I’m grateful for everything you both do for my squad and me.

“You’ve created the team around us, you do way more than a coach should ever have done, and you are there for us through good and bad times. When it gets tough, you seem to find a way. I definitely don’t take you for granted, and I can't wait until the time that life gets easier for us all.”