Since gaining independence from Great Britain in 1961, Sierra Leone has demonstrated its athletic potential on several notable occasions. The country’s journey in sports has been marked by highs and lows, and despite the abundance of talent, it is yet to secure its first Olympic medal. Sierra Leone’s sporting history reveals that its problem is not a lack of talent, but rather a lack of effective leadership and strategic planning to build a sustainable sports ecosystem. In this article, we explore the progress of sports in Sierra Leone, highlight key moments in its athletic history, and identify pathways to Olympic success.
A Strong Pedigree
Sierra Leone’s early years of independence saw promising developments in sports, culminating in its peak athletic achievements from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s. During this golden era, the country’s athletes made headlines on the international stage, showing that with the right support and vision, Sierra Leone is capable of competing at the highest levels.
One of the earliest accomplishments came at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, when Israel Cole reached the quarterfinals in boxing. His performance, though not enough to secure a medal, marked a significant achievement for the nation and indicated the untapped potential within Sierra Leonean athletes.
In athletics, the period from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s was characterized by an array of talented sprinters and relay teams, establishing Sierra Leone as a formidable competitor in track and field. The 3 times Silver Medal winning men’s 4×100 meters teams, which included stars like Francis Dove Edwin, Sanusi Turay, Haroun Korjie, Francis Keita, Pierre Lisk, Josephus Thomas, Thomas Ganda and Benjamin Grant, was a dominant force. These teams’ impressive performances in international competitions reflected the country’s ability to nurture talent, build team chemistry, and reach competitive heights.
Another significant moment came in 1989, when Modupe Jonah won a bronze medal in the 3000 meters steeplechase at the Kuwait Friendship Games. Jonah’s achievement not only marked a milestone in Sierra Leone’s distance running but also demonstrated the country’s potential in less conventional track events.
During this golden period, several individual athletes stood out. Denton Guy Williams, a sprinter whose remarkable speed and athletic prowess made him a standout competitor, and athletes like Aiah Yambasu and the famed twin brothers Joselyn and Josephus Thomas became household names, transforming inter-secondary school sports competitions into a pop culture phenomenon in Sierra Leone. This period was not just about individual accomplishments; it was a movement that inspired the youth and elevated the status of sports across the nation.
One of the most notable athletes of Sierra Leonean origin is Eunice Barber, a trailblazer in her own right. Barber began her career representing Sierra Leone, winning medals at the All-African Games, and later switching her allegiance to France. Competing for her adopted country, Barber achieved global success by becoming a World Champion and Gold Medalist in the heptathlon at the World Athletics Championships. Her accomplishments highlighted the raw talent that Sierra Leone can produce and served as a reminder of the potential that lies within the nation.
In more recent times, athletes of Sierra Leonean descent, such as sprinter Jeneba Tarmoh and triple and long jumper Will Claye, have also made a mark on the international stage, winning Olympic medals for the USA. Additionally, Ola Abbott (née Sesay) represented Sierra Leone in the long jump at the 2012 London Olympic Games, while Maggie Barrie, daughter of former national sprinter Andrew Barrie, competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, carrying forward the country’s athletic legacy. These athletes underscore Sierra Leone’s strong athletic pedigree and global impact.
Identifying the Real Challenge – Leadership and Strategic Development
The narrative of Sierra Leone’s sporting history makes one thing clear: the nation does not suffer from a lack of talent. The issue lies in the leadership and the absence of a sustainable sports ecosystem. While talent identification and natural athletic ability are evident, without a strategic approach to nurturing and developing athletes, Sierra Leone risks losing its most promising prospects to other nations or failing to capitalize on their potential.
Effective sports development requires a clear vision, proper planning, and the establishment of policies that prioritize athletic success. A comprehensive sports development strategy must focus on building and maintaining world-class training facilities and stadiums that can serve as hubs for athletic training. Sierra Leone’s potential in track and field, boxing, and niche sports like taekwondo or weightlifting requires consistent investment in sports infrastructure.
Attracting and training skilled coaches who can mentor athletes and refine their techniques is critical. Sierra Leone should leverage partnerships with international bodies and neighboring countries to bring in experienced coaches and technical staff. Examples of successful Sierra Leone sports coaches who have attained great heights in their careers and can help the nation prepare its next generation of Coaches include Prince Duwai, a British-trained Sierra Leonean athletics coach, and John Keister, who has taken Sierra Leone’s national football team to great heights.
Establishing school-based sports programs and regional competitions to identify promising athletes from a young age is key. The success of athletes like Eunice Barber and the 4×100 meter relay teams began with strong grassroots programs that helped shape their abilities early on.
Sierra Leone’s diaspora is home to numerous athletes who have honed their skills and competed at the highest levels abroad. By engaging these athletes and establishing clear pathways for them to represent Sierra Leone, the country can tap into its vast talent pool. Additionally, international partnerships can be established to provide training camps, facilities, and expertise that local programs may lack.
For instance, athletes like Ola Abbott and Maggie Barrie found success and chose to represent Sierra Leone, showcasing the benefits of engaging the diaspora. By creating a welcoming and supportive environment, Sierra Leone can offer incentives and opportunities to proudly represent their country of origin.
The nation has also seen success in sports leadership at the global level. Isha Johansen, the first female president of the country’s football association, has risen to prominent roles in FIFA. Similarly, Victor Williams made history as the first CEO of NBA Africa, highlighting the potential of Sierra Leoneans to excel at the highest levels of sports management and administration.
The Road to an Olympic Medal
To secure its first Olympic medal, Sierra Leone must develop a comprehensive and sustainable sports ecosystem that caters to the needs of athletes at every stage of their careers.
While the country has shown promise in athletics and boxing, exploring other Olympic sports such as judo, taekwondo, or archery could increase Sierra Leone’s chances of medaling. Investing in sports with fewer global competitors but high medal prospects could be a strategic move. Developing tailored training plans that focus on the long-term growth of athletes rather than short-term gains is crucial. Athletes should receive support in areas like nutrition, mental health, and injury management to ensure peak performance when it matters most.
The government should take an active role in establishing policies that encourage sports development and allocate sufficient resources to nurture talent. Private sector involvement, through sponsorships and corporate social responsibility initiatives, can also play a significant role in bridging financial gaps.
Conclusion
Sierra Leone’s path to its first Olympic medal is paved with potential but requires a renewed focus on leadership, strategy, and investment in athletes. The nation’s sporting history shows a rich pedigree of talent that has made its mark internationally, whether through standout sprinters, boxers, or athletes of Sierra Leonean descent representing other nations.
The missing piece is not talent but the know-how and commitment to create a system that can identify, nurture, and sustain this talent. By investing in infrastructure, attracting experienced coaches, leveraging the diaspora, and establishing clear government policies, Sierra Leone can turn the tide and finally celebrate its first Olympic medal. With the right leadership and strategic planning, the dreams of a generation of athletes and fans could become a reality.
Leslie Koroma Sr is CEO Africa Sports Ventures Group based inHouston, TX USA