A Somali sports official has been suspended for enrolling a non-runner relative in a high-profile international competition.
In a widely circulated video that emerged on Wednesday, Nasro Abukar Ali was seen participating in the women’s 100-meter race, held during the International University Sports Federation’s (FISU) Summer World University Games in China.
Ali’s performance was marked by a sluggish start as her competitors surged forward, leaving her far behind the pack. She ultimately crossed the finish line with a time of 21.81 seconds, more than 10 seconds behind the Heat’s winner. This dismal result earned her the dubious distinction of recording the slowest 100m run time.
Social media erupted with reactions to the video, sparking ridicule, disbelief, and even anger.
Reports from Somalia indicate that Khadijo Aden Dahir, the chairwoman of the Somali Athletics Federation, has been suspended by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The suspension letter, addressed to the Somali National Olympic Committee, accused Dahir of “abuse of power, nepotism, and tarnishing the nation’s image on the international stage.”
Minister of Youth and Sports Mohamed Barre Mohamud highlighted that Ali had no background as a “sports person nor a runner.”
The letter also revealed the ministry’s intention to take legal action against both the Athletics Federation chairman and those responsible for falsifying records within the Somali University Sports Association.
Watch the video of the race here;