Nasra Abukar Ali | |
---|---|
Born | 2003 (age 20–21) Mogadishu |
Alma mater | Jobkey University |
Known for | Participation runner for FISU World University Games |
Nasra Ali Abukar (Somali: Nasra Abuukar Cali ; born 2003) is a Somali female runner known for her participation FISU World University Games.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]
Personal life
Nasra, a 20-year-old university student who attended Jobkey University, was born 2003 in Mogadishu.[8]
According to Farhan Halane, Nasra's mother is Deka Adan Dahir, and the delegation at the event was led by her aunt, Asha Adan Dahir, who holds the position of Deputy Head of Delegation and is also a doctor at Banadir Hospital. Additionally, the athletic committee is chaired by her aunt, Khadija Adan Dahir.[9][10]
Background
In the FISU 2023 World University Games, a female athlete from Somalia, Nasra Ali Abukar, participated in the 100m race held in Chengdu, China. Her performance, where she finished the distance in 21.81 seconds, approximately 10 seconds behind the leaders, has been a subject of intense criticism, leading to discussions about her inclusion in the competition.[11]
During the press release, she stated to Dalsan TV, "Today, I am very happy to represent Somalia as a runner for the 10 meters," before heading to the 31st FISU World University Games in Chengdu, China. even Nasra does not understand the actual that 100 meters is a standard distance in athletics, while the 10 meters distance is not commonly used in competitive events,[12] There have been claims that Nasra Ali Abukar's selection for the sprinting team was influenced by her familial relationship as the niece of Khadija Adan Dahir, who serves as the Chairwoman of the Somali Athletics Association. Screenshots have been presented, indicating that Khadija Adan Dahir had congratulated Nasra on making the team. Additionally, according to Khadija Adan Dahir, Nasra had been preparing for the competition for the past two years.[13][14]
Records
Some international media sources have claimed that her finish time set a "record for the slowest finish" in the history of the competition. In a video of the race, Nasra can be seen lagging behind the rest of the field as they sprinted to the finishing line, with the winner clocking an impressive 11.4 seconds for the distance. It is worth noting that the qualifying standard for the U.S. women's Olympic 100m team is 11.15 seconds, and the slowest recorded time in the women's 100m at the 2020 Olympics was 15.26 seconds, which is more than six seconds faster than Nasra's time.[15][16]
Nasra finished last in the race, which was the short run. In the scoring system of World Athletics, the international governing body for track and field, points are awarded based on performance, with a maximum of 1,400 points for women who finish the 100m in 10.12 seconds or less. Nasra's time of 21.81 seconds, though slower than the qualifying standard, would still award just 1 point. The situation has generated discussions on social media, with claims that Nasra's inclusion in the competition might be linked to her relation to Somali Athletics President Abdullahi Ahmed Tarabi, leading to allegations of nepotism and financial irregularities.[15][13]
Reactions
A viral video of Nasra Ali Abukar competing in the competition has garnered significant attention, surpassing 19.8 million views on Twitter. The video's popularity has sparked questions and criticism, as many wonder why an athlete without prior racing experience and apparent lack of preparation was selected by the Ministry of Youth and Sport to represent the Somalia.[15] Elham Garaad, the lady who is responsible for sharing the viral video on Twitter, expressed criticism towards the Ministry of Youth and Sports regarding the selection of an untrained female athlete to represent Somalia in running. In her post, she raised questions about the decision-making process and its implications. The selection choice was described as disheartening and seen as a reflection of concerns about the competence of the government. and tweeted
Elham Garaad ✍︎ @EGaraad The Ministry of Youth and Sports should step down. It's disheartening to witness such an incompetent government. How could they select an untrained girl to represent Somalia in running? It's truly shocking and reflects poorly on our country internationally.
August 1, 2023[17]
Apology
The Somali Athletics Federation has issued an apology regarding the contentious selection of an athlete for the women's 100m event at the FISU World University Games in Chengdu, China. Nasra Abukar Ali, an untrained Somalian sprinter residing in Montreal, was chosen to represent her country despite lacking any prior experience. In the 100m heat, Ali finished last with a time of 21.81 seconds, trailing the winner, Gabriela Silva of Brazil, by more than 10 seconds.[18]
Somalia's Minister of Sports, Mohamed Barre, has vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the selection process that resulted in Abukar being chosen. In response to the incident, he expressed his concern, stating that it was a "misrepresentation and embarrassment" for the country.[19][20]
On 2nd August the Somali Olympic Committee implemented an order issued by the Minister of Youth and Sports in Somalia, which was to suspend the chairwoman of the Somali Athletics Association, Mrs. Khadija Adan Dahir.[21]
References
- ^ ""I Saw The Potbelly...": Outrage Over Somali Athlete's 100-Metre "Sprint"". NDTV.com. Retrieved 2023-08-02.
- ^ Sampson, Eve (2023-08-02). "Snail-paced 100-meter dash for Somali runner raises questions". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2023-08-02.
- ^ "Runner at center of controversy after posting 'slowest-ever' 100m". New York Post. 2023-08-02. Retrieved 2023-08-02.
- ^ "Somali, Yarışı Zorla Bitiren Nasra Abukar Ali'nin Görüntüleri Sonrası Soruşturma Başlattı". ajansspor.com (in Turkish). Retrieved 2023-08-03.
- ^ "Somalian Sprinter Faces Backlash for Questionable Performance at World University Games - Okayplayer". www.okayafrica.com. Retrieved 2023-08-03.
- ^ Mata, William (2023-08-02). "Outrage after untrained Somali runner enters 100m sprint in athletics championship". Evening Standard. Retrieved 2023-08-03.
- ^ Smith, Benedict (2023-08-02). "Watch: Sprinter's 'embarrassing' 100m prompts government apology". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2023-08-03.
- ^ "Nasra Abuukar: Maxaa laga yiri gabadhii tartanka oroddada ku mataleysay Soomaaliya?". BBC News Somali (in Somali). 2023-08-02. Retrieved 2023-08-02.
- ^ Hussein (2023-07-26). "Farewell Ceremony for Somali Athletes at Chinese Embassy". Somali National News Agency. Retrieved 2023-08-02.
- ^ SOOLA, Abdinasir. "QOYSKII QARANKA FASHILIYEY". Twitter. Retrieved 2023-08-02.
- ^ "Dhegeyso: Muxuu Cabdi Nageeye ka yiri tartanka oroddada ee guuldarrada ay kasoo gaartay Soomaaliya?". BBC News Somali (in Somali). 2023-08-02. Retrieved 2023-08-02.
- ^ Somali athlete Nasra Ali Abukar headed to 31st FISU World University Games in Chengdu, China with, retrieved 2023-08-02
- ^ a b "Somalia's Nasra Abukar "breaks the record for the slowest 100m time", investigation launched". SPORTbible. 2023-08-02. Retrieved 2023-08-02.
- ^ "Maxaad ka ogtahay orodyahannada Soomaaliya ku matalaya tartanka Shiinaha ka dhacaya?". BBC News Somali (in Somali). 2023-07-26. Retrieved 2023-08-02.
- ^ a b c Brinsford, James (2023-08-02). "Somalia runner recording painfully slow time in 100m race sparks outrage". Newsweek. Retrieved 2023-08-02.
- ^ "'Untrained' runner selected for professional 100m race and records slowest time ever". LADbible. 2023-08-02. Retrieved 2023-08-02.
- ^ Elham Garaad ✍︎ [@EGaraad] (August 1, 2023). "
The Ministry of Youth and Sports should step down. It's disheartening to witness such an incompetent government. How could they select an untrained girl to represent Somalia in running? It's truly shocking and reflects poorly on our country internationally" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Dickinson, Marley (2023-08-02). "Somalia Athletics apologizes for sending untrained athlete to World University Games". Canadian Running Magazine. Retrieved 2023-08-02.
- ^ "WATCH: Untrained athlete goes viral for slow time in 100-meter sprint, Somalian sports minister apologizes". CBSSports.com. 2023-08-02. Retrieved 2023-08-03.
- ^ "Somali sports minister sorry after 'slowest ever' 100m runner goes viral". The Guardian. 2023-08-02. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2023-08-03.
- ^ "Guddoomiyaha Xiriirka Ciyaaraha Fudud ee Soomaaliya oo shaqadii laga joojiyey orodkii Nasro awgii - Somali". BBC News Somali (in Somali). Retrieved 2023-08-02.