Solomon Islands sprint champion threatens to quit sport over controversial decision. GETTY IMAGES

The Solomon Islands Olympic committee’s decision has raised a huge controversy in the country’s Athletic Federation.

Two time Olympian Sharon Firisua, a distance runner, who is the National champion in 1500 metre, was nominated to represent the country in 100 metres run at the Paris 2024.

The decision was a shock for the Solomon Islands Athletics Federation’s president Michael Kuali and the Solomon Islands sprint champion Jovita Arunia.

Sharon Firisua was her country's flagbearer at the Tokyo 2020 Opening Ceremony. GETTY IMAGES
Sharon Firisua was her country's flagbearer at the Tokyo 2020 Opening Ceremony. GETTY IMAGES

The Athletic Federation had recommended two sprinters take up coveted wildcard spots at the games. AFP reports. Instead, the Olympic Committee had decided to give the wildcard to Firisua.  

Firisua finished 72nd in the marathon run at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. After her nomination the Olympic dream of 22-years-old Arunia has gone.

Solomon Islands has nominated a marathon runner to compete in women's 100 metre Olympic heats Friday -- to the surprise of the Pacific nation's sprint champion.

"I will not compete anymore because of what they did," said Aruna.