Team Papua New Guinea (Team PNG) Swimming athlete Josh Tarere swam a personal best of 53.58 seconds in the 100m Freestyle event on Tuesday 30th of July. Finishing first in his heat, Tarere was happy with his swim, bettering his previous best by .53 seconds, and placing him 72 out of 79 athletes. The youngster expressed great delight over his accomplishment. “I have been swimming since I was 12 years old; after 13 years of Swimming, I made the Olympics, and I am happy with my results.” Chef de Mission to Team PNG and former Olympic Swimmer Ryan Pini was also delighted at Tarere’s outcome complimenting the swimmer’s development in the sport. "As Chef de Mission to Team PNG and a former Olympic swimmer myself, I am incredibly proud of Josh’s performance in the 100m freestyle at the Paris 2024 Olympics.” “Josh executed his race exactly according to plan, demonstrating his maturity and growth in his swimming career.” “His ability to maintain such intense focus and deliver under the pressure of the world’s biggest stage is truly impressive.” “This level of dedication and composure is a testament to his hard work and commitment, and it sets a strong example for aspiring athletes in Papua New Guinea.” Team PNG’s next athlete to compete is Leonie Beu in the 100m Athletics event. Leonie takes on the track at 10:35am (18:35 PNG time), today Friday 3rd August 2024. Coach Brett Green said that Leonie has been training well since arriving in Paris. “Leonie has done everything required of an Olympian in her preparation – her last week has been great, and we are looking forward to a fast run in the preliminary round to progress to round 1.” Athletes yet to compete following Beu’s competition are Georgia-Leigh Vele in the 50m Freestyle on Saturday 3rd August, Weightlifter Morea Baru in the 61kg division on Wednesday 7th of August, followed by Taekwondo athletes Kevin Kassman in the -68kg division on Thursday 8th August and Gibson Mara in the +80kg division on Saturday 10th August.