Country: Papua New Guinea Birth Date: December 1st 1977 (40) Gender: Male Height: 167cm Sport: Kickboxing Event: World Light Weight Champion Athletes Background Story: He was known as the Headhunter in his brutal past profession and is one of those rare Papua New Guineans who have reached the pinnacle of their sport on an international level from the humble beginnings of the village. Stanley Nandex at age 13 took up martial arts when many of his friends were turning to crime. After studying several fighting styles he appropriated his skills in kickboxing, found his niche and became known as “The Headhunter”. In a professional career spanning 48 fights, there were 41 victories - 30 of them by knockout. Out of the 48, seven of them were world titles fights which made him a world champion. Stanley also won four times ‘Knockout of the year’ Awards. Country: Papua New Guinea Birth Date: June 23th 1984 (28) Gender: Female Height: 150cm Sport: Weightlifting Event: Women’s 53 kg Athlete Background Story: Athlete Dika Toua; Mother, wife, daughter, history maker and Olympic athlete. This Papua New Guinean woman does it all. STONE, Nelson Country: Papua New Guinea Birth Date: June 2nd 1984 (28) Gender: Male Height: 179cm Sport: Athletics Event: Men’s 400m Athlete Background Story: 21-year-old Nelson Stone is an athlete for track and field from Papua New Guinea. He competed in the men’s 400 metre race at the London 2012 Olympics. PINI, Ryan Country: Papua New Guinea Birth Date: December 10th 1981 (30) Gender: Male Height: 196cm Sport: Swimming Event: Men’s 100m butterfly Athlete Background Story: Ryan Pini is one of Papua New Guinea’s most successful athletes, proving that dedication and passion in any sport allows you to achieve amazing results. |