Rara addresses concerns over Sharon Firisua’s switch to Women’s 100m Sprint due to procedural requirements, not arbitrary decisions
National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) President Martin Rara clarified why Sharon Firisua switched from the marathon to the Women’s 100m Sprint at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Rara said that procedural requirements, not arbitrary decisions, caused the change. Both local and international media criticized the switch.
Process Clarification
Rara explained that the Solomon Islands Athletics Federation initially nominated Sharon Firisua and Steven Rahausi without specifying their events. This delay led to their names being entered into the system only in April.
Submission Issues
After the Oceania Athletics Championships in Suva, Fiji, the Federation submitted names for athletes Jovita Aruina Ambrose and Luke Haga. This submission missed the entry deadlines for Paris 2024.
Guidance and Eligibility
The Athletics Federation contacted NOCSI and the Oceania Athletics Association. They advised addressing the issue with the Paris 2024 Games Organizing Committee. NOCSI then sought guidance from World Athletics, which confirmed that only Sharon Firisua could compete. Her active status in the database without an event tagged to her name made her eligible.
Decision for Universality
Rara stated that the decision was necessary to keep the Solomon Islands’ universality slot for the LA 2028 Olympics. “Sharon competed in the 100m because no other athletes were in the system,” Rara said. “If other athletes had been listed, we would have considered them.”
Firisua’s Performance and Criticism
Despite the criticism, Sharon Firisua competed in the Women’s 100m Preliminary Round, clocking 14.31 seconds at Stade de France. Rara emphasized that administrative issues with late entries, not oversight or preference, caused the situation.
Reaffirmation of Procedures
Rara reassured that NOCSI followed all procedures correctly and made the decision to benefit Solomon Islands’ Olympic representation. Critics have called for NOCSI President and his Executive to step down, arguing that well-known Olympic dates should have prevented the administrative issues.
