Sharon Firisua runs personal best but doesn’t advance in Women’s 100m heats at Paris Olympics
In the Women’s 100m preliminary heats at the Paris Olympics, Sharon Firisua finished ninth with a time of 14.31 seconds. Competing in Heat 4, Firisua showcased her determination despite initially preparing for the marathon and missing qualification.
Zahria Allers-Liburd from Saint Kitts and Nevis dominated the heat with a time of 11.73 seconds, followed by Asimenye Simwaka of Malawi at 11.78 seconds. Firisua’s time, a personal best, was not enough to advance to the next round.
The decision to nominate Firisua for the 100m sprint has sparked discussion. According to news reports, the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) made this decision.
Local athletics representatives and the country’s leading female sprinter, Jovita Arunia, have questioned the selection process. The Solomon Islands Athletics Federation was responsible for nominating sprinters for the 100m, but NOCSI made the final decision. This unexpected nomination has led to calls for a clearer explanation of the selection criteria.
Firisua’s Olympic journey concludes with this race. The other Solomon Island athlete, Isabella Miller, will make her Olympic debut on August 3rd in the Women’s 50m freestyle, Heat 3.
