Solomon's Sharon Firisua hopes to beat personal best at marathon event in Tokyo
Sharon Firisua from the Solomon Islands will make history when she competes in the women's final marathon at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics today, marking a first for a Pacific women to compete in the event.
The 27-year-old won three gold medals at the 2015 Pacific Games where she competed in the five thousand and 10 thousands metre steeple, as well as the half marathon in Port Moresby.
She claimed her fourth gold in the 10 thousand metre event at the 2019 Pacific Games in Samoa.
The long-distance runner said she wants to set the benchmark for female athletes in the Pacific region.
"I was so happy when the Olympic Committee of the Games allowed me this chance to show to the Pacific that we can do it," she said.
I am sure all at home in the Solomon Islands wish Sharon good luck in the tough marathon event and will be hoping for her success on behalf of the Solomon Island and for Pacific women.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
