4-time Olympic swimmer and now current Chef De Mission for Team PNG, Ryan Pini, expressed how privileged he is to be leading Team PNG for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympic Games as something that he has been fortunate to be a part of for many years. Speaking on the experience as a former athlete, he recalled how much hard work and dedication was put it into achieving his goal and in particular stated how his role as an athlete was taken care and therefore intends to do the same with the current ones. This he got to share today in the lead up to the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympic Games set to take place on the 26th of July to the 11th of August 2024. During a press conference held today, there were two announcements made by PNG Olympic Committee. This follows the completion of Team PNG’s roster for the Olympic Games with a total of six athletes set to represent the nation in various disciplines as well as the announcement of two flag bearers. Following the recent qualification under universality places, three athletes have joined Team PNG for the Paris Olympics including, Josh Tarere and Georgia-Leigh Vele from the sport of swimming will showcase their talents on the international stage. Tarere will compete in the 100m Freestyle on Day 4 of the swimming program, scheduled for July 30th, while Vele will participate in the 50m Freestyle on Day 8, August 3rd. Leoni Beu, an outstanding sprinter from athletics, has also secured her place in the Paris Olympics through universality spots. Leoni solidified her position as PNG’s top sprinter with an impressive season, including recording the fastest 100m time for PNG this year at 11.68 seconds. She further demonstrated her strength and fitness by achieving sub-24-second performances in the 200m on three occasions within 24 hours, showcasing remarkable improvement and competitiveness against elite athletes from Australia and New Zealand. Leoni also claimed a bronze medal in a fiercely contested Oceania Championships 100m event. With the addition of these invited athletes, Ryan Pini congratulated them by extending his heartfelt congratulations to each of them. “Your hard work, passion, and resilience have brought you to this pinnacle of sporting achievement, and we are confident that you will represent Papua New Guinea with honour and pride.” “We also express our gratitude to the coaches, support staff, and families who have been instrumental in our athletes’ journeys." "Your unwavering support and encouragement have been vital to their success.” “Together, as Team PNG, we are ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will bring." "Let us strive for excellence, celebrate our achievements, and make our nation proud.” Joining these athletes will also see three previous qualified team members; Gibson Mara and Kevin Kassman from the sport of Taekwondo, and Morea Baru from Weightlifting who will also be present to form the core of Team PNG’s representation at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Their selection underscores their dedication and achievements in their respective sports, reflecting Papua New Guinea’s commitment to excellence on the global sporting stage. “Their amazing efforts to qualify on their own is incredible and an absolute heart felt congratulations to each one of our athletes who have shown their hardworking and dedication over the years that they put towards their mission to get to the Paris Olympics."