PNG’s elite athletic squad preparing for the Commonwealth Games have their last competition in the USA this weekend at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). Strong fields are expected in all events as the Meet is a “last chance” qualifier for US athletes seeking to qualify for various championship events.

The athletes have had a successful campaign so far with Toea Wisil leading the way with several top notch performances in the 100m and 200m.Wala Gime is also in fine form and has run a personal best time in the 400m and a number of 51 second 400m hurdles races.

Salome Dell is getting back to her best form after an injury earlier this year and will be hoping for some top competition in the 800m to pull her through to a seasons best performance.Mong Tavol will be aiming to improve his best long jump performance of 6.75m following his big breakthrough in the triple jump last week.Norman Tse takes part in the high jump and will also be aiming to secure a spot in the mens 4*100m relay squad.Kevin Kapmatana injured his hamstring ten days ago after making a bright start to his campaign with a sub 49 second clocking in the 400m.

Betty Burua will join the squad this week now that she has completed her season at the University of Arkansas and commenced the summer holiday.Burua has a seasons best time of 55.70 in the 400m and will travel with the squad to Brisbane next week to prepare for the Asian Grand Prix next month.