Solomon Islands at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics
The Solomon Islands participated in the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, an event originally scheduled for 2020 but postponed to 23 July – 8 August 2021 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. This appearance marked the nation's tenth time competing in the Summer Olympics since their debut at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles.
Beyond the competition, the Solomon Islands viewed the Tokyo Games as a critical learning ground. The experience was intended to provide valuable insights and preparation for the nation's own hosting of the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara.
Key Facts
- Olympic Debut: 1984 Summer Olympics (Los Angeles).
- Tokyo 2020 Delegation: 9 members in total.
- Athletes: 3 competitors across athletics, swimming, and weightlifting.
- Parade Position: 101st out of 206 nations.
- Medal Status: No Olympic medals earned as of the 2020 Games.
Travel and Logistics
Getting the delegation to Japan required complex coordination between the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC), and Nauru Airlines. To support smaller nations, charter flights were arranged for the delegations of Nauru, Kiribati, Tuvalu, and the Solomon Islands.
On 19 July 2021, delegations from Kiribati, Tuvalu, and the Solomon Islands gathered in Nauru. The following day, they departed for Haneda Airport in Tokyo, making a technical stop in Chuuk State of the Federated States of Micronesia as a COVID-19 precaution. One member of the delegation, swimmer Edgar Iro, traveled separately from Thailand during the same week.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Delegation and Competition
The Solomon Islands delegation consisted of nine individuals, including officials, coaches, and athletes. The administrative team was led by National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) president Martin Rara, general secretary Melinda Avosa, and technical director Apollos Saeg.
The role of chef de mission Naoyuki Fujiyama, a Japanese government volunteer, became a point of contention. Various national sports federations called for his resignation, alleging fraud and corruption. Critics also noted that Fujiyama, a resident but not a citizen, had breached the NOCSI constitution, which restricts non-citizens from administering sports matters within the country.
Athletes and Coaches
The sporting side of the delegation was managed by athletics head coach Francis Manioru (a two-time Olympian), swimming head coach Stance Sanga, and Apollos Saeg, who also served as the weightlifting head coach.
Three athletes represented the nation in Tokyo:
- Sharon Firisua: A long-distance runner and 2016 Olympian who competed in the women's marathon.
- Edgar Iro: A swimmer who competed in the men's 100m freestyle.
- Mary Kini Lifu: A weightlifter competing in the women's 55 kg category.
Weightlifter Jenly Tegu Wini, a two-time Olympian, was expected to compete in the women's 59 kg category but ultimately did not qualify due to insufficient ranking points.
Return to the Solomon Islands
Following the conclusion of the Games, the delegation (excluding Iro) returned home on 13 August 2021. Their return was made possible by a specific act signed by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, which bypassed strict COVID-19 entry prohibitions then in place.
Ceremonial Highlights
During the Opening Ceremony, the Solomon Islands marched 101st out of 206 participating countries. This specific order was determined by the host's use of the local kana alphabetical system. The national flag was carried by Sharon Firisua and Edgar Iro.
For the Closing Ceremony, the honor of being the national flagbearer was given to weightlifter Mary Kini Lifu.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Summary of Participation
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Delegation Size | 9 people |
| Competing Athletes | 3 (Firisua, Iro, Lifu) |
| Sports Represented | Athletics, Swimming, Weightlifting |
| Opening Flagbearers | Sharon Firisua & Edgar Iro |
| Closing Flagbearer | Mary Kini Lifu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Solomon Islands delegation's march order 101st?
The order of the Parade of Nations was based on the Japanese kana alphabetical system used by the host city.
Who were the athletes that competed for the Solomon Islands in Tokyo?
The competing athletes were Sharon Firisua (women's marathon), Edgar Iro (men's 100m freestyle), and Mary Kini Lifu (women's 55 kg weightlifting).
Why was Naoyuki Fujiyama's role in the delegation controversial?
Fujiyama faced calls to step down due to allegations of corruption and fraud, as well as claims that he violated the NOCSI constitution by participating in sports administration as a non-citizen.
How did the delegation travel to Tokyo?
Most of the delegation used a chartered Nauru Airlines flight shared with Nauru, Kiribati, and Tuvalu, including a technical stop in Chuuk State. Edgar Iro traveled separately from Thailand.
Did the Solomon Islands win any medals at the Tokyo 2020 Games?
No, as of the 2020 Games, no athlete from the Solomon Islands had earned an Olympic medal.