‘Mary’s participation is a breakthrough for women in a male-dominated society’ - Rara

TOKYO, 27 JULY 2021 --- President of the National Olympic Committee of the Solomon Islands (NOCSI) Martin Rara said, weightlifter Mary Lifu’s ‘participation at this year’s Olympic Games is not only important for women in sports in the Solomon Islands, but rather a greater breakthrough for women in a male dominated society.’

Finishing 14th overall in the Women’s Weightlifting 55kg division at the Tokyo Olympics, Mary Lifu earned praise from her own National Olympic Committee.

Rara said, ‘With this year’s attendance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Mary now will say to all women that not only men can be at the Olympics but women can also, and have equal share in access to the medal chance on the podium.’

‘She has done well and I see that as a valuable asset to the country’s sporting fraternity. A great inspiration to our communities and society.’

He added that, ‘Women in Sports in the Solomon Islands is overshadowed by various cultures and customs. To date, this cultural world can be strengthened as our women compete on the world stage and continue to elevate the morale of other women back home. 

‘It’s important that the mindset that women are inferior is changed and women in the Solomon Islands need to be on an equal footing as men in all aspects of life.’

Weightlifter, Mary Lifu is from Malaita Province in the Solomon Islands and is the current Pacific Champion. She finished ninth at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast, Australia. Lifu is a recipient of the Olympic Scholarship and spent time training at the Oceania Weightlifting Institute in New Caledonia last year.