Beyond the track: Iammo Launa shares the weight and honor of representing PNG

For Iammo Gapi Launa, representing Papua New Guinea on the world stage was more than just wearing a uniform, it was about carrying the hopes, dreams, and identity of an entire nation.

Speaking at Trukai Industries’ 25th Fun Run celebration in Lae last Friday, Launa, who is PNG’s first female Olympian, shared powerful reflections on what it truly means to represent her country.

Launa was only 20 when she made history, becoming the first woman to represent PNG at the Olympics, a moment that came just nine years after the country gained independence. She competed in the track and field events in Los Angeles prior to making her second appearance in the 1988 Games in Seoul.

“I was overwhelmed and emotional, but it was the proudest moment of my life knowing I'm representing my country and my people," she said.

At the event in Lae, she joined a panel alongside renowned PNG kickboxer Stanley “The Headhunter” Nandex and female Paralympian Manega Tapari, as part of Trukai’s milestone celebrations and fundraising T-shirt auction.

Launa recounted the challenges of competing in an era where women in sports had limited visibility and support.

"We had to really work extra hard to be heard and to be seen, and also to get support from our families, partners, schools, employers so it was very difficult being a woman, trying to balance everything in that era for us," Launa recalled the barriers.

She paid tribute to the late Elenga Buala from Morobe and the late Barbra Ingiru from Bougainville, who later joined her on the Olympic journey. She acknowledged the trio's role in laying the foundation for future generations of female athletes.

Launa has represented PNG in several events including the International Amateur Athletics Federation World Championships on three occasions, attended two Commonwealth Games and six Pacific/Mini Games.

Beyond personal achievement, the former PNG rep emphasized the importance of representation as a duty to the nation. She said wearing PNG’s colors means standing for something bigger than yourself, it means honoring the ancestors, land, family, and the people you represent.

She also commended the ongoing role of corporate support in sustaining the dreams of athletes, particularly companies like Trukai Industries.

"I appreciate companies like Trukai Industries that have greatly supported sports in the last 50 years. We have achieved a lot in sports, so these companies deserve praise for their continued support and contribution to sports development apart from the government," she said.

As Papua New Guinea nears its 50th Independence anniversary, Launa urged young female athletes to rise with courage and pride.

"It's difficult sustaining girls in terms of continuation in sports, but I'd like to encourage them [female athletes] to pursue their dreams, no dream is too big. Look at my story, if I can do it, I'm sure they can do it too," the first female Olympian said.