The head of Somalia’s athletics organization has been suspended following a viral incident involving an inexperienced runner who took almost 22 seconds to complete the 100-meter sprint at an international event.
Nasra Abukar Ali, aged 20, finished last at the World University Games in Chengdu, China, on Tuesday.
Her performance contrasted significantly with the winner, Brazil’s Gabriela Mourão.
A video of the race gained widespread attention online as Nasra Abukar fell far behind and barely remained in the frame, eventually crossing the finish line with a skip.
Nasra Abukar’s display attracted mockery and disbelief on social media platforms, with some users using it to criticize the Somali government’s perceived corruption and ineffectiveness.
Her time of 21.81 seconds, over 10 seconds slower than the winning time of 11.58 seconds, has been labeled internationally as the “slowest-ever” in the history of the 100m sprint.
Sports Minister Mohamed Barre Mohamud stated on Wednesday that investigations revealed Nasra Abukar Ali had no prior involvement in sports or running.
In response, he suspended Khadijo Aden Dahir, the Chairwoman of the Somali Athletics Federation, for allegations of “abuse of power, nepotism, and defaming the name of the nation.” Legal action is also being pursued regarding the incident.
Furthermore, Mohamed Barre Mohamud noted the absence of a registered Somali University Sports Association, without elaborating on its connection to the competition.
The Association of Somalia Universities clarified in an earlier statement that they had not sent any runners to the event.
Prior to this, Minister of Youth and Sports Mohamed Barre Mohamud issued an apology for the incident and indicated that his ministry was unaware of Nasra Abukar Ali’s selection for the games.