Social media abuzz as slow Somali athlete competes in World University Games

Calls for dismissals and widespread criticism have erupted on social media after Somalia fielded an inexperienced 100m sprinter in the World University Games held in China.

Nasra Abubakar Ali, the novice athlete, took nearly twice as long as the winner to complete the race, crossing the finish line in 21.81 seconds – a staggering 10 seconds behind the eventual champion.

The country's Sports Minister, Mohamed Barre Mohamud, expressed his embarrassment over the incident and offered an apology to the Somali people, acknowledging that it was not a true representation of the nation. The decision to select an untrained athlete with no previous top-level competition experience has left Somalis questioning the judgment of their officials.

Social media users, including Elham Garaad, voiced their disappointment and concern over the government's choice to send an unprepared representative. The incident has drawn international attention and reflects poorly on the country's athletic reputation.

The Association of Somali Universities denied appointing any athlete for the event, adding to the confusion surrounding the selection process. Consequently, the Somali Athletics Federation has agreed to launch an investigation to determine how Nasra Abubakar Ali ended up as the representative.

This is not the first time Somalia has faced controversy over its selection of athletes in international events. In the 2016 Rio Olympics, Maryan Nuh Muse competed in the 400m event with a time of 1:10.14, significantly slower than the average time for the race. Similarly, in the 2012 London Olympics, Zamzam Mohamed Farah clocked 1:20:48, lagging behind the winner by 30 seconds. These incidents have shed light on the challenges faced by Somali women participating in high-level sports, with some athletes even enduring death threats from individuals who oppose their participation.

While some praised the athletes for their determination to take part in the competitions despite the tough conditions, the recurring issues with athlete selection have sparked anger and uproar on social media. As the investigation unfolds, many hope that Somalia's sports officials will take steps to ensure better representation and preparation for future international events.

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. pic.twitter.com/vMkBUA5JSL

— Elham Garaad ✍︎ (@EGaraad_) August 1, 2023

So Embarrassing for the young lady who cannot run. Who in the hell took her to these games. This is a national tragedy. Those who took this girl to china have embarrassed her and the entire nation of Somalia. Someone must be held accountable. What a shame? pic.twitter.com/luujZK3FRi

— Dr Ali Said Faqi (@FaqiAlis) August 1, 2023

From Abdi Bille Abdi conquering the world and upholding Somalia’s dignity and honor in the biggest stage in the world to @HassanSMohamud sending his niece with the good appetite to embarrass us ????????‍♂️pic.twitter.com/6FQeeYGvAV

— Supreme Garaad JR. (@Supreme_Garaad) August 2, 2023

This wasn’t the first time Somalia got embarrassed in the world stage, only few years ago they sent a poor young woman with no athletic background to participate World Championships and she scored the worst finish record in the history of the competition. pic.twitter.com/AS3Wqr9LYI

— Inside Africa (@inside_africaa) August 1, 2023

You know how everyone says we need one average human in each Olympic event to really highlight how unreal athletes are? Somalia went ahead and trialed that idea for us and I’m more on board than ever ???? https://t.co/FrY47aXrgC

— ????????????‍♀️???? (@KopanoMashishi) August 2, 2023

BREAKING

Somalia has SUSPENDS Khadija Adan, the Head of Athletics Somalia, after the country sent an overweight "athlete" to University Athletics in China. The overweight lady finished after 1 min 20 sec in 100M which takes a standard maximum of 12 seconds. Corruption is worse… pic.twitter.com/Ew7qdxgmPV

— Abuga Makori EGH, MBE (@abuga_makori) August 2, 2023

Thinking of Samiya Yusuf (AUN) who represented Somalia in 2008 China Olympics. Samiya had no support in her country and was forced to exile to pursue her athletic dreams. In 2012, she was trafficked and imprisoned in Libya and drowned in the Mediterranean Sea ???? pic.twitter.com/LCs502hpFH

— mrs b (@winningburgir) August 2, 2023

The #Somali Government sent ‘an athlete’ to represent the nation. Problem was that the ‘sprinter’ has never ran before.

We later found out ‘the athlete’ is actually the niece of Somalia’s Head of Athletics Fed. No wonder - the Somali Govt is the most corrupt in the world. pic.twitter.com/1gW7SzTTGP

— Jamal Osman (@JamalMOsman) August 2, 2023

They let literally anyone run for Somalia. This is 100% real! pic.twitter.com/T31EC1yoHL

— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) August 2, 2023