Sharon vows to win three gold
By SIMON ABANA
In Port Vila, Vanuatu
SOLOMON Islands long distance queen Sharon Firisua is determined to win three gold medals at the Vanuatu 2017 Pacific Mini Games after she won her first in the 10,000 metre yesterday.
Firisua clocked a time of 39 minutes and 25 seconds ahead of her compatriot Dianah Matekali and New Caledonian Celine Hirzel who claim the silver and bronze medal respectively.
Speaking to Star Sports after the official medal presentation, the golden girl said, she is eager to equal her Pacific Games gold medal haul set in 2015.
“It’s the second time for me to win gold in the 10,000 metre race and I am determined to win another two gold in my remaining two events tomorrow (today).
“I am so happy of my run today (yesterday) because I was in control of my pace, it’s a good race for me,” the proud Solomon Islander stated.
The Oceania long distance queen will compete in the 5000 metre today at the Korman Stadium and half marathon on Thursday.
She believes her track record will bring fear to other competitors in her race.
“My record speaks for its self and I think by winning gold today (Monday) sends a message to other athletes that I am here to compete.
“I hope I could win three gold medals again like my feat in the South Pacific Games,” Firisua said.
Sharon becomes the second female athlete to win gold at the Pacific Mini Games after lifter Jenlyn Wini scooped three gold medals last week.
As a role model to girls in the country, Firisua believes her winning record in Athletics will inspire more female to involve in Sports.
“My advice to young girls who want to take sports as their career is if I can do it, you can do it as well,” she added.
She dedicated her gold medal to her family as they are the rock behind her success.
Silver medalist Dianah Matekali finished second behind Sharon with a time of 40 minutes and 43 seconds.
Dianah insisted that her success is a reward for her hard work in preparation for the Pacific Mini Games.
“I think taking silver behind Sharon is a fine achievement for me because I had prepared well for this competition.
“I still have some race to compete in and I will try my best to win medals again,” she stated.
Meanwhile in the Men’s 10000 metre, Solomon Islands duo Rosefelo Siosi missed out of the medal places finishing at 5th followed by Patrick Kam on 6th position.
Athletics continues today at the Korman Stadium as the trio hopes to win more medals for One Team Solomon.
As it stands after day 7, Solomon Islands now has 5 gold, 6 silver and 3 bronze on the official medal tally excluding the 3 bronze medals won by Walter in weightlifting.
