Wisil Breaks Pulu’s 30-Year Record

Records are made to be broken, and having that in mind, PNG’s rising sprint sensation, Pais Wisil had one task to achieve over the weekend, which was to surpass former PNG ‘Sprint King’ Peter Pulu’s untouchable 30-year record.  

Wisil rose to the occasion and accomplished a historic feat during Queensland State Track & Field Championships on Saturday, March 15th, when he clocked an impressive 10.24 seconds in the Men’s 100m Open B finals, eclipsing Peter Pulu’s 30-year record and etching his name into the PNG Athletics archives. 

Running is embedded in the Wisil family. Pais’ elder sister, Toea Wisil was also the ‘Sprint Queen’ in her heyday, breaking records and setting benchmarks not just in PNG, but in the Pacific region.

Pais was overwhelmed and relieved when he crossed the finish line, setting a new National Record for the PNG Athletics.

“I was so proud that I had worked so hard towards my goals and this was another one achieved. I was so happy for my coach, support crew, and training partners because they have encouraged me and helped me to get there,” Wisil said.

“I knew that I could do it when I put a good race together. I am now going to keep working hard to improve even more.”

He further explained that because of good preparation over the last couple of months, he was able to pull off the historic achievement.

“My preparation was more focused towards the World Indoor Championships. We still have work on my 100m but I didn't freshen up for the race, so we didn't expect it to happen then,” Wisil stated.  

“Of course, I had my sights set on the record and after running 10.32 slightly wind-assisted, we knew it was coming. Having already broken the 60m record, I wanted to get the 100m, too.  

“Peter Pulu was an outstanding athlete and he held the record for 30 years, so I'm very humbled to be the one to do it first.”

The Jiwaka record breaker now shifts his focus to the World Athletics Indoor Championships in China and looks forward to breaking more records and qualifying for the World Championships.

“In China, I want to record another personal best. That means I'm moving closer to my ultimate goals. I qualified for the Championships via my performances, which is not easy to do at the World level,” he said.  

“I have been accepted into the 100m at Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne, which is a World Athletics bronze event. These meets are all part of competition development and I'm excited to be given a lane.

“In April, I will compete at the Australian Championships, which gives me experience of rounds, as you have to qualify to progress. There, I will do the 100m and 200m. After that, I have a bit more of a training base to prepare for the Pacific Mini Games and try to qualify for the World Championships.”

Wisil added that it wasn’t easy for him to become successful, encouraging fellow athletes to put in the hard work, be committed, stay disciplined, and be respectful to others. 

“I hope that many more athletes in PNG and the Pacific realize that they can achieve special performances, too,” he emphasized.

“It takes a lot of hard work over a long time, consistency, and doing all the extra little things that add up to improvement. It's not easy and it's not always fun, but when you run fast, jump big, or throw far, it makes it all worth it. 

“But, remember to always be a good and kind person, treasure everyone in your team, and keep working towards what is important to you. They are your dreams and goals, and don't let negative people discourage you.”