Somalia Suspends Sports Official After Video Of Slow Sprinter Went Viral, Apologises To Country

• Khadijo Aden Dahir, the Chairwoman of the Somali Athletics Federation, was suspended on allegations of abuse of power and nepotism
• Nasro Abukar Ali, the athlete who sparked outrage after finishing last, was confirmed to be neither a sports person nor a runner
• The Federal Republic of Somalia Minister of Youth and Sports, Mohamed Barre Mohamud, said the actions of the official had defamed the name of Somalia

Mogadishu - The Somalia government has taken action after a video went viral of the country's athlete coming last in an international race.

In a statement on Wednesday, August 2, the Federal Republic of Somalia Ministry of Youth and Sports said they had confirmed that the said athlete, Nasro Abukar Ali, is not a sports person nor a runner.

The ministry stated that investigations had shown Khadijo Aden Dahir, the Chairwoman of the Somali Athletics Federation, had engaged in acts of abuse of power and nepotism.

The minister, Mohamed Barre Mohamud, said the actions of the official had defamed the name of Somalia in the international arena.

He urged the National Olympic Committee of Somalia to suspend Khadijo from her position as the athletics chief.

"The chairman of the Somalia National Olympics committee should suspend Khadijo Aden. The Executive Committee of the Somali National Olympics is requested to convene an urgent meeting to discuss and decide upon the necessary course of action," read the statement

Nasro claims she sprained her leg

The controversial athlete has hit back at her critics, stating her country people don't deserve to be represented at international running competitions.

She decried being victimised despite going into the race with what she claimed to have been a sprained leg.

“Somalis do not deserve to be represented in a running competition, I ran with a sprained leg, but I am criticised,” she said.

Nasro left spectators at the World Universities Game in China in stitches after she finished last in the women’s 100m race, clocking a time of 21.81 seconds, more than twice as slow as the winner, Brazil’s Silva Mourao Gabriella (11.58).

William Ruto celebrates Eliud Kipchoge in defeat

Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported that President William Ruto congratulated Eliud Kipchoge after a humiliating loss in the Boston Marathon.

Ruto described the marathon world record holder as a beast who has inspired generations to go for their dreams and achieve them.

"Eliud Kipchoge, you are the beast: an inspiration to generations to dream far beyond their potential. Hongera," Ruto wrote on Twitter.