Fresh off a golden finish in the senior boys’ 5000m, Saint Joseph’s Tenaru star Michael Horikura has his sights set on two more titles as the track heats up at the 2025 Solomon Islands Secondary School Games (SISSG25).
The long-distance runner from Are’are stormed to victory in Monday’s 5000m final, clocking 17 minutes and 28 seconds to beat White River CHS’s George C. (17:50) and Nguvia CHS’s George Leleo, who took bronze.
All three are expected to feature prominently again in the upcoming 3000m and 15,000m events.
Speaking to Star Sports after his win, Horikura said the result was a reward for months of hard work and determination.
“Coming into these Games, I trained very hard and aimed for this win all along. Hopefully, I’ll bring more gold for Tenaru in the 3000m and 15,000m later this week,” he said.
Also a rising football talent, Horikura balances track and field with his commitments in the S-League, where he plays for top-flight club FC Juniper Tree.
He said his involvement in both sports keeps him sharp.
“Soccer and athletics are very different, but training in both has helped me stay fit — and that made the difference today,” he said.
Horikura thanked the Tenaru student body for their strong support during his first event and said he hopes to deliver more memorable performances in the days ahead.
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
