Sharon Firisua: Marathoner’s Unexpected Sprint at Paris Olympics

Sharon Firisua from the Solomon Islands, primarily a marathoner, competed in the women's 100 meters at the Paris Olympics. Firisua finished last but achieved a personal best of 14.31 seconds. This was her third Olympics, participating previously in different distance events. Her selection for the sprint event, given as a wildcard, sparked controversy.

Sharon Firisua of the Solomon Islands resembled and acted like a sprinter setting up her starting blocks. However, when the gun went off, she was a marathoner trying to sprint.

The distance runner was given her country's lone spot in the women's 100 meters at the Paris Olympics, finishing last among the finishers with a time of 14.31 seconds, a personal best.

After the race, Firisua quickly weaved through the media mixed zone without talking to reporters. This was her third trip to the Olympics and first as a sprinter, having previously run the 5,000 meters in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games and the marathon at the Tokyo Games in 2021.

Firisua was awarded the wild-card spot by her country's Olympic officials after she didn't qualify for Paris. These spots are typically reserved for small countries, providing their athletes a chance to compete despite not meeting the qualifying standards.

Solomon Islands officials were informed that the 100 meters was the only race available. Firisua had no time in the event but possessed records in every distance from the 1,500 meters to the marathon. In 2021, she was named the tourism ambassador for the Solomon Islands.

Her 100-meter time was 3.37 seconds slower than reigning world champion Sha'Carri Richardson. The selection of Firisua caused controversy, as the country's top sprinter, Jovita Arunia, did not qualify for the event and wasn't given the spot. Arunia expressed her disbelief and mentioned she might quit the sport in response.

(With inputs from agencies.)