Solomon Islands at The 2008 Summer Olympics - Athletics

Athletics

Sprinter Francis Manioru represented the Solomon Islands at Beijing in the men's 100 meters dash as its only male track and field athlete. Born in September 1981, Manioru was 22 years old when he first competed in the men's 100 meters dash at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. He ranked seventh in his heat and did not advance past the qualification round. However, Manioru returned as a 26-year-old to participate in the 2008 Olympics. During the qualification round of the event, which took place on 14 August, Manioru was placed in the first heat against seven other athletes. He finished the race in 11.09 seconds, placing behind ni-Vanuatu sprinter Moses Kamut (10.81 seconds), who in turn placed behind Surinamese sprinter Jurgen Themen (10.61 seconds). The heat was led by Jamaica's Usain Bolt (10.20 seconds) and Antigua and Barbuda's Daniel Bailey (10.24 seconds). Manioru ranked 68th out of the 80 athletes participating in the qualification heats. Manioru did not advance to later rounds.

Pauline Kwalea represented the Solomon Islands in the women's 100 meters dash at the Beijing Olympics. She was born in the national capital of Honiara, located on the island of Guadalcanal, and represented the Solomon Islands in Beijing as a 20-year-old. Kwalea had not previously competed in any Olympic games. During the course of the qualification round of the event, which took place on 15 August, Kwalea was placed in the sixth heat against eight other athletes. She finished last with a time of 13.28 seconds. Nicaraguan runner Jessica Aguilera placed ahead of Kwalea (13.15 seconds), while Andorra's Montserrat Pujol ranked ahead of Aguilera (12.73 seconds). The heat was led by Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser (11.35 seconds) and Ghana's Vida Anim (11.47 seconds). In the qualification heats, there were 85 participants, with Kwalea ranking 75th. She did not advance to later rounds.

Men

Women