Famous Sierra Leonean Athletes

John Carew is a retired sprint runner who represented Sierra Leone in the 100 m event at the 1980 Summer Olympics. After his athletic career, he pursued higher education in the Soviet Union, earning a PhD in technical sciences. He then returned to Sierra Leone to apply his expertise in the field. Carew's professional journey showcases a transition from sports to academia, highlighting his commitment to personal development and the pursuit of knowledge.

Jimmy Thoronka is a professional sprinter originally from Sierra Leone. He gained international recognition after competing in the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Despite facing challenges such as homelessness and discrimination, he continued to pursue his passion for sprinting. Thoronka's determination and resilience led him to overcome legal obstacles and secure the right to stay in the UK. Throughout his career, he has showcased his athletic abilities and dedication to his sport, inspiring others with his story of perseverance.

Ibrahim Turay is a Sierra Leonean runner known for his participation in the 2012 Summer Olympics in the 200m event. Despite being eliminated in the first round, he achieved a personal best time of 21.90. Turay's dedication to track and field is evident through his competitive spirit and pursuit of excellence on the track. His performance at the Olympics showcased his talent and determination as a professional athlete, leaving a lasting impression on spectators and fellow competitors alike.

Eugenia Osho-Williams is a renowned Sierra Leonean sprinter who made history as the first woman to represent her country at the Olympics. She demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication by competing in the 100 meters at both the 1980 and 1984 Summer Olympics. Through her participation in these prestigious events, Osho-Williams showcased her prowess in sprinting on a global stage, inspiring many with her achievements and paving the way for future athletes from Sierra Leone.

Rachel Thompson is a Sierra Leonean middle-distance runner known for her participation in the women's 1500 metres at the 1988 Summer Olympics. She demonstrated her athletic prowess and dedication to her sport by competing at the international level. Thompson's involvement in the Olympics showcases her commitment to excellence and her ability to perform under pressure. Her achievements in the field of middle-distance running have solidified her reputation as a talented and accomplished athlete on a global scale.

Horace Dove-Edwin is a retired Sierra Leonean sprinter who had a successful career marred by a doping scandal. He competed in multiple Olympic Games and other international track events, achieving notable results such as winning a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games. However, he faced a two-year ban after testing positive for a banned substance. After his suspension, he briefly worked as a trainee assistant coach for a national Olympic team before returning to compete at the World Championships. Dove-Edwin later pursued higher education and graduated with a master's degree in Exercise Science.

Margaret Vanessa Barrie is a Sierra Leonean sprinter known for her participation in various international athletics competitions. She showcased her talent by competing in events such as the women's 400 metres at the 2017 World Championships and the women's 200 metres and women's 4 × 400 metres relay at the 2019 African Games. Despite an administrative error at the 2020 Summer Games where she was entered into the 100 metres instead of the 400 metres, Barrie displayed resilience and determination, achieving notable performances in the competition.

Sanusi Turay is a retired Sierra Leonean athlete known for his specialization in sprinting events. He had a successful career representing his country at various prestigious sporting events, including the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics, as well as two outdoor and four indoor World Championships. Throughout his professional life, Turay showcased his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport of athletics, leaving a lasting impact on the track and field community with his impressive performances on the international stage.

Frank Turay is a Sierra Leonean sprinter known for his participation in the men's 4 × 400 metres relay at the 1996 Summer Olympics. Throughout his career, he has showcased his exceptional talents as a sprinter, representing his country on the international stage. Turay's dedication and hard work have earned him recognition as a skilled athlete in the field of track and field. His contributions to the sport have left a lasting impact on the athletic community, inspiring others with his achievements.

Benjamin Grant is a Sierra Leonean hurdler who represented his country in the men's 4 × 100 metres relay at the 1988 Summer Olympics. His athletic career is highlighted by his participation in this prestigious event, showcasing his dedication and skill as a track and field athlete. Competing at such a high level demonstrates Grant's commitment to his sport and his ability to perform under pressure on the international stage, making him a respected figure in the world of athletics.

William Akabi-Davis is a Sierra Leonean sprinter known for his participation in the men's 400 meters race at the 1980 Summer Olympics. His professional career highlights his dedication to track and field athletics, particularly in the sprinting discipline. Competing on an international stage such as the Olympics showcases his talent and commitment to the sport. Akabi-Davis's achievements as an athlete demonstrate his skill and determination in pursuing excellence in his chosen field of athletics.

Alpha Breezy Kamara is an Olympic athlete from Sierra Leone who specialized in sprinting. He competed in the 100 meters dash at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, finishing eighth in his heat with a time of 10.74 seconds. Despite not advancing to the next round, Kamara showcased his speed and talent on the international stage. His performance at the Olympics demonstrated his dedication to the sport and his commitment to representing his country at the highest level of competition.

Michaela Kargbo is a track and field sprint athlete from Sierra Leone who competes internationally. She represented Sierra Leone at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, participating in the 100 metres sprint event. Despite placing seventh in her heat, she did not advance to the second round. Kargbo completed the race in 12.54 seconds. This performance showcased her talent and dedication to the sport of track and field, solidifying her place as a competitive athlete on the international stage.

Solomon Bayoh is a male Dutch sprinter who has competed in various international athletic events, including the 2015 World Championships in Athletics and the 2016 Summer Olympics. Born in Makeni, Sierra Leone, he later became a naturalized Dutch citizen. Bayoh represented Sierra Leone at the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2014 Commonwealth Games. In 2022, he failed a drug test for the growth hormone GHRP-2, attributing it to consuming contaminated chicken.

Paul Parkinson is a Sierra Leonean sprinter who competed in the men's 4 × 100 metres relay at the 1992 Summer Olympics. Originally from Freetown, he was a member of the North London Athletic Club. Parkinson's involvement in the 1992 Olympic athletics team highlights the significant representation of London-based athletes in Sierra Leone's squad. His participation in international competitions such as the Olympics demonstrates his dedication to the sport and his commitment to representing his country on a global stage.

Felix Sandy is a Sierra Leonean sprinter known for his participation in the men's 400 meters event at the 1988 Summer Olympics. His professional career primarily revolves around his achievements in sprinting, particularly his representation of Sierra Leone on the international stage. Competing at the prestigious Summer Olympics demonstrates his dedication and skill in track and field athletics. Sandy's focus on sprinting showcases his commitment to training and excelling in a highly competitive sporting discipline, earning him recognition as a talented athlete.

Hawanatu Bangura is a sprinter from Sierra Leone who represented her country at the 2004 Summer Olympics in the 100m dash in Athens, Greece. She finished 7th in her individual heat with a time of 12.11, just under a second behind the heat winner. Bangura's professional career highlights include competing at the highest level of international athletics and showcasing her sprinting abilities on a global stage. Her dedication to the sport and participation in prestigious events like the Olympics demonstrate her commitment to excellence in track and field.

Ola Sesay is a Sierra Leonean long jumper who gained recognition for her participation in the 2012 Summer Olympics. She represented Sierra Leone at the international sporting event and had the honor of being the flag bearer for her country during the opening ceremony. Sesay's professional career highlights her dedication to athletics and her ability to compete at a high level on the global stage. Her achievements at the Olympics showcase her talent and commitment to her sport.

Prince Amara is a Sierra Leonean sprinter known for his participation in the men's 4 × 400 metres relay event at the 1996 Summer Olympics. His professional career is highlighted by his dedication to track and field sports, particularly in sprinting. Competing at the Olympic level showcases his exceptional athletic abilities and commitment to representing his country on an international stage. Prince Amara's active involvement in competitive sprinting has solidified his reputation as a talented and skilled athlete in the field of track and field sports.

Foday Sillah is a Sierra Leonean sprinter known for his participation in multiple Olympic Games and world championships. He competed in the men's 400 metres at the 1992 Summer Olympics and the 1996 Olympic 4 × 400 m, as well as various international competitions. Sillah achieved notable results at the World U20 Championships and set a Sierra Leonean indoor record in the 200 metres at an IAAF circuit international meeting. Throughout his career, he represented his country in relay teams and made significant contributions to Sierra Leonean athletics.

Gibrilla Bangura is a renowned sprinter from Sierra Leone, known for his exceptional speed and agility on the track. He has represented his country in numerous international competitions, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport. With a strong focus on training and technique, Bangura has achieved notable success in various sprint events, earning recognition for his impressive performances. His commitment to excellence and continuous improvement has made him a respected figure in the world of athletics, inspiring aspiring athletes to reach their full potential.

Lamin Tucker is a sprinter from Sierra Leone who competed in the 100 meters at the 2004 Olympic Games. Although he did not advance to the second round, he achieved a personal best time of 10.52 seconds in the same year. Tucker's professional career highlights his dedication to sprinting and his participation in international competitions. His focus on speed and athleticism is evident through his achievements in the 100 meters event, showcasing his commitment to the sport and his drive to compete at a high level.

Ivan Christian Benjamin is a Sierra Leonean sprinter who competed in the men's 100 metres at the 1984 Summer Olympics. He dedicated himself to athletics, showcasing his speed and skill on the track. His participation in the Olympics demonstrates his high level of athletic achievement and commitment to his sport. Ivan Benjamin's professional career as a sprinter is marked by his representation of Sierra Leone on the international stage, making him a notable figure in the world of track and field.

Ismail Kamara is a Sierra Leonean sprinter known for his participation in the 100 meters race at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Despite his dedication and hard work, his time of 10.95 seconds in the preliminary round was not enough to qualify him for the first round. Kamara's professional life showcases his commitment to his sport and his willingness to compete at the highest level of international competition, demonstrating his ambition and passion for sprinting.

Ibrahim Kabia is a Sierra Leonean sprinter specializing in the 100 meters. He attended the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN, where he competed for five years, redshirting his freshman year due to injury. Kabia reached the semi-final in the 60 meters at the 2010 World Indoor Championships. His personal best times include 6.63 seconds in the 60 meters (indoor), 10.29 seconds in the 100 meters, and 20.96 seconds in the 200 meters. He has shown strong performance and dedication in his sprinting career.

Abdul Mansaray is a Sierra Leonean sprinter known for his participation in the men's 4 × 100 metres relay event at the 1984 Summer Olympics. As a competitive athlete, Mansaray showcased his speed and agility on the track, representing his country at an international level. His dedication to sprinting and relay races demonstrated his commitment to the sport and his ability to perform under pressure. Mansaray's professional career as a sprinter left a lasting impact on the athletics community, inspiring others with his skills and sportsmanship.

Pierre C. O. Lisk is a Sierra Leonean sprinter who competed in the men's 200 meters at the 1996 Summer Olympics. His professional life is characterized by his dedication to track and field, where he showcased his speed and agility on the global stage. Competing in such a prestigious event demonstrates his commitment to the sport and his drive to excel at the highest level of competition. Pierre Lisk's participation in the Olympics highlights his talent and hard work as a sprinter representing Sierra Leone.

Tom Ganda is a Sierra Leonean sprinter known for his participation in the men's 4 × 100 metres relay event at the 1996 Summer Olympics. His professional career highlights his commitment to track and field athletics, representing his country on an international stage. Ganda's dedication to sprinting and relay events showcases his athletic abilities and competitive spirit. Through his achievements in elite competitions like the Olympics, he has established himself as a respected athlete in the track and field community.

Walter During is a Sierra Leonean sprinter known for his participation in the men's 200 meters event at the 1980 Summer Olympics. His professional life is distinguished by his dedication to sprinting and representing his country on the international stage. Competing at the Olympics showcased his athletic abilities and commitment to the sport. Throughout his career, During's focus on sprinting and training would have been central to his professional endeavors, aiming to achieve success and make a mark in the world of athletics.

Estella Meheux is a Sierra Leonean sprinter known for her participation in the women's 100 meters event at the 1980 Summer Olympics. She showcased her athletic prowess on the international stage, representing her country with pride and determination. Meheux's dedication to her sport and commitment to excellence exemplify her professional journey as a sprinter. Her participation in prestigious events like the Olympics highlights her talent and hard work in the field of athletics, inspiring others with her achievements.

Melrose Mansaray is a Sierra Leonean sprinter who competed in the women's 200 meters at the 1992 Summer Olympics and the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Throughout her professional career, Mansaray demonstrated her exceptional speed and agility on the track, representing her country at the highest level of international competition. Her participation in multiple Olympic Games showcases her dedication to the sport and her commitment to achieving excellence as a sprinter.

Rudolph George is a Sierra Leonean sprinter known for his participation in the 1980 Summer Olympics. He competed in the men's 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4x100 meters relay events. Despite his efforts, he was eliminated in the first round of each competition. George's professional career highlights his dedication to track and field athletics, showcasing his commitment to representing his country on the international stage and striving for excellence in sprinting events.

Sama Fornah is a Sierra Leonean sprinter who represented her country at the 1996 Summer Olympics in the women's 4 × 100 metres relay event. Known for her speed and agility, she showcased her athletic abilities on an international stage. Competing at such a prestigious event demonstrates her dedication and skill in the sport of sprinting. Fornah's participation in the Olympics highlights her commitment to excellence and her contribution to the sporting legacy of Sierra Leone.

Josephus Thomas is a Sierra Leonean sprinter who competed in the men's 4 × 100 metres relay at the 1996 Summer Olympics. His professional career is characterized by his participation in high-level athletic competitions, showcasing his speed and agility on the track. As an Olympic athlete, Thomas has demonstrated his dedication to the sport of sprinting and represented his country on the international stage. His achievements in relay events highlight his teamwork and ability to perform under pressure in competitive environments.