Long distance queen Firisua announces retirement, embarks on coaching role

By Crofton Utukana

Solomon Islands’ long-distance queen Sharon Firisua has officially announced her retirement from competitive athletics, marking the end of a celebrated 15-year career.

The multiple gold medalist is now shifting her focus to coaching, aiming to nurture the next generation of athletes.

Speaking to SIBC Sports, Firisua expressed pride in her journey.

“I’m very happy with my journey as an athlete over the past 15 years. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved at the local, regional, and international levels,” she said. 

Her transition into coaching began earlier this year, a development she had already envisioned during her training in Melbourne, Australia, where she earned two coaching certificates in athletics.

“Coaching is something I’ve always wanted to do.

“I love this sport. It’s been a part of my life, and now I want to give back,” Firisua explained. 

She also acknowledged a critical gap in the country’s athletics structure: the lack of athlete development, especially among young women in long-distance events.

“Now that I’ve stepped into coaching, I’ll do my best to address this issue. We have a lot of raw talent that just needs the right guidance and opportunity.”

Firisua’s absence from competition will be felt by Athletics Solomon. Since 2015, she has dominated long-distance events at the Pacific Games and Mini Games. 

With her retirement, the national long-distance spotlight now falls on her only colleague, runner Daina Matekali.

“We’re now left with only Daina in long-distance.

 “That reflects our lack of a clear development pathway—particularly for girls,” she added.

But currently, Firisua is part of a team of Sport Development Officers, coaches, and technical staff from 11 sporting federations visiting Choiseul Province. 

Together, they are delivering a Youth Athlete Development, Identification, and Training program.

“Being part of this initiative, going into rural communities to scout and support talented youth, is a step in the right direction,” she insisted.

Despite being new to coaching, Firisua is already making an impact. Leon Pusua, winner of the recent Easter Road Race and Easter Fun Run, credited her guidance for improving his performance.

“Before, I just ran with no real plan.

 “But when Sharon started coaching me, I learned how to approach races well, things like timing and pacing. My 5000m time has improved a lot,” Pusua told SIBC Sports.

Meanwhile, Sharon Firisua retires not only as a champion on the track but as a leader who continues to shape Solomon Islands athletics from the sidelines.

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