BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
SOLOMON Islands para-athletic sprinter, Cosmol Maefolia said he has gained valuable experience and motivation from his debut in the men’s 100m athletics sprint events at the 2023 ‘Queensland State Championships in Australia and the 2022 Mini Pacific Games in Northern Marianas.
Cosmol previously made his debut by competing as a para-athlete sprinter and earned himself a bronze medal in the men’s sprint race event in Australia and a silver medal in men’s ambulant 100m event in the Northern Marianas.
The sprinter, who hails from Fiu village in Central Kwara’ae, Malaita province, said he has learned a lot from his experience after competing against rival sprinters at this year’s Championships in Australia and 2022 Mini Pacific Games in Northern Marianas.
Cosmol Maefolia will compete in three field events – sprint, javelin, and shot-put at this year’s Pacific Games 2023 in November in Honiara.
“I am happy to gain more valuable experience on the professional racing track when competing against other best sprint athletes in the Oceania region, and this opportunity will be a valuable experience for me to perform better in the upcoming Pacific Games 2023 in Honiara.
“I was always interested in track and field. I find it a great way of maintaining fitness and good health,” the 25-year-old told RAW SPORTS.
Cosmol has also managed to scoop four medals (3 bronze and silver) 2023 ‘Queensland State Championships in Australia.
“At Queensland State Championships this year, I scooped a bronze medal in the men’s ambulant javelin’, 2 bronze medals in the men’s ambulant shot put, and a silver medal in the men’s ‘100m ambulant sprint event.
Solomon Islands inspiring para-athletic sprinter, Cosmol Maefolia (pictured second from the left) with local para-athlete medalists at this year’s Championship in Queensland, Australia. Photo by SINIS Media.
Cosmol is currently undergoing months of scheduled training Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) High–Performance program.
He said that competing against regional rivalries will come at a cost, however, he promised to work hard in his scheduled training for a good outcome.
“I am optimistic and confident to make my country proud in the Pacific Games 2023,” Cosmol said.
