Even though Sierra Leone Athletics Association went through numerous constraints during the preparation of the competition, the athletes displayed their qualities by attaining four gold medals, three silver medals and seven bronze medals.
Amongst the medallists were, Sierra Leone’s long distance runner, Osman Charley won gold in 5,000m, Isatu Turay clinched gold in 3,000m, Mariama K. Conteh obtained gold medal in 800m, and the current fastest in the country Ishmail Dauda Kamara won silver in 100m.
Mariatu Koroma also won bronze in 200m, Hassan Jah won bronze in 400m, Hawa Bundor won bronze in 400m whilst the men’s quartet team won bronze in 4x100m and 4x400m.
Moses Smart also clinched bronze in 800m, Mohamed Bah won bronze medal in 5,000m, and Hassan Yillah won Bronze medal in Javelin.
According to some athletics supporters in the country, the athletes took total responsibility in the competition that was why they were successful. They said their performance was superb and they will give them a laudable welcome.
The Vice President of Sierra Leone Handball Association Alusine OSaio Kamara who is a big fan of athletics stated: “Medals are very hard to come to Sierra Leone. So if you are opportune, to grab them all, If we have cause to hire a fork lift to haul them we will do. In a more serious note I throw you all a big salute for making us proud”.
This is the second time in three years Sierra Leone junior athletes have put up such performance in the regional championship.