Famous Sierra Leonean Sportspersons

Alpha Bangura had a successful professional basketball career, representing the Libya national basketball team at the FIBA Africa Championship in 2009. As a skilled player, he competed at a high level both domestically and internationally. Known for his talent and dedication to the sport, Bangura made significant contributions to the teams he played for. With his experience and expertise, he left a lasting impact on the basketball community during his time as a professional player.

John Carew is a retired sprint runner from Sierra Leone who competed in the 100m event at the 1980 Summer Olympics. He later pursued studies in technical sciences in the Soviet Union, earning a PhD. After completing his education, Carew returned to Sierra Leone. His athletic career highlights include representing his country at the Olympics, showcasing his talent in sprinting. Carew's dedication to both sports and academics has shaped his professional journey, reflecting his commitment to excellence and continuous learning.

Jimmy Thoronka is a professional sprinter from Sierra Leone who defected to England after competing in the 2014 Commonwealth Games. He faced challenges, including being arrested for "running while black" and a legal battle with the UK government. Despite these hurdles, he persevered and was eventually granted permission to stay in the UK in May 2018. Throughout his career, Thoronka has showcased his sprinting skills and determination to overcome obstacles in pursuit of his athletic goals.

Osman Kamara is a Sierra Leonean swimmer who has competed in various international swimming events, including the FINA World Swimming Championships and the World Aquatics Championships. He has participated in events such as the 100 m freestyle, 50 m backstroke, and 50 m butterfly. In the 2013 World Aquatics Championships in Barcelona, Kamara achieved national records in the 50 m butterfly and 50 m freestyle events. His professional career showcases his dedication and skill in the sport of swimming at the international level.

Ibrahim Turay is a Sierra Leonean runner who made his mark on the global stage by competing in the 200 m event at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Despite being eliminated in the first round, he showcased his talent by achieving a personal best time of 21.90. This performance demonstrated his dedication to his sport and his ability to compete at the highest level. Ibrahim Turay's professional career as a runner is characterized by his pursuit of excellence and his commitment to pushing his limits in the track and field arena.

Saidu Kargbo is a professional boxer from Sierra Leone who represented his country at the 2008 Summer Olympics. Despite being defeated by a technical knockout in his first Olympic fight by Łukasz Maszczyk of Poland, Kargbo's dedication and skill in the sport have earned him recognition on an international level. His participation in the Olympics showcases his commitment to boxing and his willingness to compete at the highest level of the sport, inspiring aspiring boxers in Sierra Leone and beyond.

Eugenia Osho-Williams is a renowned Sierra Leonean sprinter known for her participation in the 100 meters event at both the 1980 and 1984 Summer Olympics. She holds the distinction of being the first female athlete to represent Sierra Leone on the Olympic stage. Throughout her career, Osho-Williams has showcased exceptional speed and athleticism, earning recognition for her contributions to the sport of sprinting. Her achievements at the Olympics have solidified her legacy as a trailblazer in Sierra Leonean athletics.

Frank Turay is a Sierra Leonean sprinter known for his participation in the men's 4 × 400 metres relay at the 1996 Summer Olympics. His professional life is marked by his dedication to sprinting and representing Sierra Leone on the international stage. Competing in prestigious events like the Olympics demonstrates his talent and commitment to the sport. Turay's athletic achievements have brought recognition to Sierra Leone in the field of sprinting, showcasing his skills and determination as a professional athlete.

Eunice Barber is a renowned athlete who has competed in heptathlon and long jump events at a high level. She has represented both Sierra Leone and France during her career, achieving notable success in various international competitions. Barber's impressive achievements include winning the heptathlon at the World Athletics Championships in 1999, as well as clinching the long jump title in 2003. She has consistently showcased her athletic prowess by finishing in top positions in prestigious events, solidifying her reputation as a top-tier athlete.

Carolina Rodríguez Ballesteros is a retired Spanish rhythmic gymnast who began her senior career in the early 2000s. She participated in three Olympic cycles, notably competing as an individual gymnast in the 2012 London Olympics where she finished 14th in all-around qualifications. In the 2016 Rio Olympics, she competed again as an individual and achieved 8th place in the rhythmic gymnastics individual all-around final. Throughout her career, Carolina demonstrated skill, dedication, and perseverance, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.

William Akabi-Davis is a Sierra Leonean sprinter known for his participation in the men's 400 meters event at the 1980 Summer Olympics. His professional career is highlighted by his representation of Sierra Leone on the international stage of athletics. Competing at the prestigious Olympic Games demonstrates his dedication to the sport and his high level of athletic ability. Akabi-Davis's participation in such a significant sporting event showcases his commitment to training and preparation, as well as his drive to compete at the highest level.

David Kowah is a Sierra Leonean boxer who competed in the men's light heavyweight event at the 1996 Summer Olympics. Despite his efforts, he was knocked out during the Round of 16 by American boxer Antonio Tarver. This defeat marked the end of his Olympic journey as he secured the 9th position in the final ranking. Kowah's professional career highlights his participation in the prestigious Olympic Games, showcasing his skill and determination in the sport of boxing at an international level.

Charles Hilton Mammie is a Sierra Leonean professional basketball player known for his time with the Pilipinas MX3 Kings in the ASEAN Basketball League. He was released from the team during a roster overhaul in December 2015. Mammie was recruited by the University of the East following his tenure with the Arellano Chiefs. His career has been marked by his contributions to various teams and his skill on the basketball court, making him a respected figure in the basketball community.

Ernest Jombla is a Sierra Leonean squash player who made his debut at the Commonwealth Games in 2018. He has represented Sierra Leone on an international level, showcasing his skills and passion for the sport. Jombla's professional career has been marked by his dedication to training and competing at high-profile events, where he has demonstrated his talent and sportsmanship. He continues to strive for excellence in squash, aiming to further establish himself as a prominent figure in the sport.

Rachel Thompson is a Sierra Leonean middle-distance runner who competed in the women's 1500 meters event at the 1988 Summer Olympics. Her professional life revolves around her passion for athletics and dedication to training and competing at an elite level. Thompson's participation in the Olympics showcases her talent and commitment to the sport. As a middle-distance runner, she has demonstrated her skills and endurance on the track, representing her country on the international stage with determination and pride.

Horace Dove-Edwin is a retired Sierra Leonean sprinter known for specializing in the 100 meters. He competed in various international events, including the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. Despite facing challenges such as a doping scandal that led to a suspension, he continued to pursue his passion for athletics. Dove-Edwin later transitioned into coaching and education, earning a Master's degree in Exercise Science. Overall, his professional journey reflects resilience, determination, and a commitment to the world of sports and fitness.

Bunturabie Effuah Rashida Jalloh is a Sierra Leonean swimmer who has competed in various international competitions, including the All Africa Games and the Summer Olympics. She has achieved success in relay events, winning bronze medals at the Africa Zone two championship. Jalloh made history by setting a national record in the 50 metre freestyle event at the Olympics. She represented Sierra Leone as the flagbearer during the opening ceremony, showcasing her dedication and talent in the sport of swimming.

James Lebbie is a professional golfer from Sierra Leone and a member of the Sierra Leone PGA. He has had success on Europe's Challenge Tour, winning the 1992 Nigerian Open and multiple Sierra Leone Open titles. Lebbie began playing golf at Freetown Golf Club before becoming the Head Professional. Due to the Sierra Leone Civil War, he moved to the United States to work as a teaching professional. As of 2016, he was a caddie at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland.

Alifu Albert Massaquoi is a retired long-distance runner who represented both Liberia and Sierra Leone in various international competitions. He competed in the marathon at the 1960 Summer Olympics and later participated in the marathon and 10,000 metres events at the 1968 Summer Olympics. Notably, he holds the Sierra Leonean 10,000 metres record with a time of 31:06.29, achieved during the 1970 British Commonwealth Games. Massaquoi's professional career is marked by his dedication to long-distance running and his achievements in international sporting events.

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 seconds, .97 of a second behind the heat winner. Bangura's professional career showcases her dedication to athletics and her ability to compete at the highest level on the global stage. Her participation in the Olympics demonstrates her talent and commitment to the sport of sprinting.

Ola Sesay is a Sierra Leonean long jumper who gained recognition for her participation in the 2012 Summer Olympics. She proudly represented Sierra Leone as the flag bearer during the opening ceremony of the same event. Sesay's professional career is highlighted by her dedication to the sport of long jumping and her commitment to competing at the highest level of international athletics. Through her achievements in the Olympics, she has inspired many aspiring athletes and brought pride to her home country.

Benjamin Grant is a skilled hurdler from Sierra Leone who participated in the men's 4 × 100 metres relay at the 1988 Summer Olympics. His professional career is highlighted by his dedication to track and field, specifically excelling in sprint events and relay races. Grant's commitment to training and competition allowed him to represent his country on the global stage at the prestigious Olympic Games, showcasing his talent and athleticism to a worldwide audience.

Alpha Breezy Kamara is an Olympic athlete from Sierra Leone who competed in the 100 meters dash at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. He finished eighth in his heat with a time of 10.74 seconds, .37 of a second behind the heat winner. Overall, he finished 73rd out of 95 runners who completed the original heats. Kamara's professional life is marked by his participation in the prestigious Olympic Games, showcasing his talent and dedication to track and field athletics at an international level.

Michaela Kargbo is a track and field sprint athlete from Sierra Leone, known for her international competitions. She represented Sierra Leone at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, competing in the 100 metres sprint event. Despite placing seventh in her heat during the competition, she did not advance to the second round. Kargbo ran the distance in a time of 12.54 seconds, showcasing her speed and athletic abilities on the global stage.

Gibrilla Pato Bangura is a prominent sprinter from Sierra Leone who has made a name for himself in the world of track and field. With a focus on sprinting events, he has competed in various national and international competitions, showcasing his exceptional speed and agility on the track. Throughout his professional career, Gibrilla has demonstrated dedication, perseverance, and a strong work ethic, earning him recognition and respect within the athletic community. He continues to strive for excellence and push the boundaries of his athletic abilities.

Lamin Tucker is a sprinter from Sierra Leone who competed in the 100 metres at the 2004 Olympic Games. Despite his best efforts, he did not advance past the initial round. In 2004, he achieved a personal best time of 10.52 seconds in the 100 metres event. Tucker's dedication to sprinting and participation at the Olympic level showcases his commitment to the sport and his drive to excel in high-level competitions.

Ivan Christian Benjamin is a Sierra Leonean sprinter who competed in the men's 100 meters event at the 1984 Summer Olympics. His professional life revolves around athletics, particularly sprinting, where he has showcased his skills on the Olympic stage. By participating in such a prestigious event, he has demonstrated his dedication to his sport and his country. Ivan's athletic career is marked by his commitment to training and competing at the highest level, making him a respected figure in the track and field community.

John B. H. Coker is a former boxer from Sierra Leone who competed in the men's heavyweight event at the 1968 Summer Olympics. He also had the honor of being the flag bearer for Sierra Leone at the same Games. Coker's professional life was centered around his boxing career, where he showcased his skills and represented his country on an international stage. His participation in the Olympics highlights his dedication to the sport and his country, leaving a lasting impact on the boxing community.

Sanusi Turay is a retired Sierra Leonean athlete known for his specialization in sprinting events. He had a successful career representing his country at the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics, as well as competing in two outdoor and four indoor World Championships. Throughout his professional life, Turay demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication to his sport, leaving a lasting impact on the track and field community. His achievements at the international level showcase his skill and commitment to excellence in sprinting events.

Solomon Bockarie, also known as Solomon Bayoh, is a male Dutch sprinter with a professional career marked by international competitions. He has participated in prestigious events such as the 2015 World Championships in Athletics and the 2016 Summer Olympics. Born in Makeni, Sierra Leone, Bayoh represented his birth nation at the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2014 Commonwealth Games. In 2022, he faced controversy after failing a drug test, claiming it was due to consuming chicken contaminated with a growth hormone.

Israel Cole, a Sierra Leonean boxer, began his professional career in May 1985 after competing in the men's light middleweight event at the 1984 Summer Olympics. He settled in Los Angeles, California, where he continued to pursue his boxing career. Throughout his professional boxing journey, Cole faced various opponents, including Reggie Johnson and Ernesto Magdaleno. Despite experiencing both victories and losses, Cole maintained a total record of 15 wins, nine losses, and four draws before retiring from the sport in September 1999.

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 affiliated with the North London Athletic Club. Parkinson's participation in the Olympics showcased his dedication to athletics and represented Sierra Leone on an international stage. His involvement in the 1992 Olympic athletics team from London highlights the diversity and global nature of the sporting community. Parkinson's professional career demonstrates his commitment to sprinting and representing his country through sports.

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. His professional life is highlighted by his dedication to sprinting and representing his country on an international stage. Mansaray's focus on training and competing at a high level showcases his commitment to the sport of track and field. His participation in the Olympics demonstrates his skill and determination as a competitive athlete.

Tom Ganda is a Sierra Leonean sprinter who represented his country at the 1996 Summer Olympics in the men's 4 × 100 metres relay event. A dedicated athlete, he showcased his speed and talent on the international stage, displaying strong teamwork and coordination with his relay teammates. His participation in such a prestigious global sporting event demonstrates his commitment to excellence and his passion for track and field. Ganda's professional career highlights his athletic prowess and his determination to compete at the highest level of sprinting.

Ali Hijazi is a former Sierra Leonean international basketball player and the current manager of the Sierra Leone national basketball team. He has coached the national team since 2004. In addition to his sports career, Hijazi is a successful business man and the exclusive agent of Phillip Morris. He is also recognized for his humanitarian efforts, particularly in aiding the war-affected population of Sierra Leone.

Maggie Barrie is a Sierra Leonean sprinter known for her participation in various international track events. She showcased her talent at the 2017 World Championships in Athletics, competing in the 400 meters. In 2019, she took part in the 200 meters and 4 × 400 meters relay at the African Games in Morocco. Despite an administrative error placing her in the 100 meters at the 2020 Summer Games, Barrie delivered a strong performance, setting a season’s best time and displaying her determination and skill on the track.

Pierre C. O. Lisk is a Sierra Leonean sprinter known for his participation in the men's 200 meters event at the 1996 Summer Olympics. His professional career highlights his dedication to sprinting and representing Sierra Leone on a global stage. Competing at the prestigious Olympic Games demonstrates his commitment to the sport and his ability to perform at an elite level. Lisk's participation in such a high-profile event showcases his talent and determination as a sprinter.

Walter During is a Sierra Leonean sprinter known for his participation in the men's 200 meters at the 1980 Summer Olympics. His professional career showcases his dedication to sprinting and his pursuit of excellence in athletic competition. Competing at the prestigious Olympic Games demonstrates his commitment to representing his country on an international stage. Throughout his career, During has exhibited speed, agility, and determination, solidifying his reputation as a skilled sprinter and a respected athlete in the global track and field community.

Desmond Williams is a Sierra Leonean boxer who competed in the men's light middleweight event at the 1988 Summer Olympics. Throughout his professional career, Williams demonstrated exceptional skill and determination in the boxing ring. Known for his speed and agility, he faced tough opponents and showcased his talent on an international stage. Williams's dedication to the sport earned him respect among boxing enthusiasts and fellow athletes alike. His performances in various competitions reflected his commitment to excellence and his passion for the sport.

Estella Meheux is a renowned Sierra Leonean sprinter who made her mark on the international stage by competing in the women's 100 meters event at the 1980 Summer Olympics. Her impressive athletic abilities and dedication to her sport have earned her recognition in the track and field community. Meheux's participation in the Olympics showcases her commitment to excellence and her willingness to push herself to achieve success at the highest levels of competition.

Melrose Mansaray is a renowned Sierra Leonean sprinter who has competed in multiple prestigious events, such as the women's 200 meters at the 1992 Summer Olympics and the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. She has showcased her exceptional athletic abilities on an international stage, earning recognition for her dedication and skill in sprinting. Mansaray's participation in these high-profile competitions has solidified her reputation as a talented and accomplished athlete, inspiring others with her impressive performances and competitive spirit.

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 best efforts, George was unable to advance past the first round in any of the events he participated in. His dedication to sprinting and representation of Sierra Leone on the Olympic stage showcases his commitment to the sport and his country.

Sama Fornah is a Sierra Leonean sprinter known for her participation in the women's 4 × 100 metres relay at the 1996 Summer Olympics. Her professional life is defined by her dedication to sprinting and representing her country on the international stage. Fornah's involvement in the relay event showcases her athletic prowess and commitment to track and field sports. Through her achievements in competitive sprinting, she has contributed to the recognition of Sierra Leone in the global sporting community.

Percy Doherty is a retired weightlifter from Sierra Leone who competed in the men's light heavyweight category at the 1988 Summer Olympics. Throughout his career, he dedicated himself to the sport of weightlifting, demonstrating exceptional strength and skill on the international stage. His participation in the Olympics showcased his commitment to the sport and his country, inspiring aspiring weightlifters and sports enthusiasts alike. Percy Doherty's professional life exemplifies perseverance, dedication, and a passion for representing Sierra Leone in the global sporting arena.

Mohamed Bangura is a former Olympic boxer from Sierra Leone who competed in the men's lightweight division at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow. He faced Viktor Demyanenko of the Soviet Union and was disqualified in the second round. Bangura's professional life revolved around his boxing career, culminating in his representation of his native country on the Olympic stage. Despite his defeat in the Olympics, Bangura's dedication to the sport showcased his talent and commitment as a boxer from Sierra Leone.

Baba Ibrahim Suma-Keita was a renowned Sierra Leonean long-distance runner who achieved international recognition for his participation in the marathon events at the 1980 Summer Olympics and the 1988 Summer Olympics. Throughout his professional career, Suma-Keita demonstrated exceptional athleticism and perseverance, showcasing his talent on the global stage. His dedication to the sport of running inspired many aspiring athletes and left a lasting impact on the running community. Suma-Keita's legacy as a competitive marathon runner continues to be celebrated in the world of sports.

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 efforts, his time of 10.95 seconds in the preliminary round was not enough to qualify him for the first round of the competition. Kamara's professional life is marked by his pursuit of excellence in sprinting, as he continues to train and compete in various athletic events to showcase his skills and abilities on the track.

Ibrahim Kabia is a Sierra Leonean sprinter known for specializing in the 100 metres. He attended the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN, where he competed in track and field for five years. Despite redshirting his freshman year due to injury, Kabia showcased his talent by achieving impressive personal best times. He notably reached the semi-finals in the 60 metres at the 2010 World Indoor Championships. Kabia's dedication to his sport and notable achievements have solidified his reputation as a skilled and accomplished sprinter.

Egerton Forster, a former Sierra Leonean boxer, made his mark in the sport by competing in the men's heavyweight event at the 1984 Summer Olympics. His professional career was highlighted by his dedication to training and competing at the highest level of the sport. Forster's participation in the Olympics showcased his skill, determination, and passion for boxing. His journey as an athlete serves as an inspiration to aspiring boxers and a testament to his commitment to the sport.

Prince Amara is a renowned Sierra Leonean sprinter known for his participation in the men's 4 × 400 metres relay at the 1996 Summer Olympics. His professional career has been marked by a strong focus on sprinting, showcasing his exceptional speed and athleticism on the track. With his dedication and commitment to the sport, Prince Amara has earned recognition for his contributions to the sprinting community, leaving a lasting impact through his performances at prestigious events like the Olympics.

Foday Sillah is a Sierra Leonean sprinter who has competed in multiple Olympic Games and world championships, specializing in the 400 meters event. He made notable appearances at the 1992 Summer Olympics and the 1996 Olympic 4 × 400 m relay. Sillah also participated in various international competitions, showcasing his talent and representing Sierra Leone on the global stage. Throughout his career, he set records and achieved significant milestones, leaving a lasting impact on the athletic community.

Felix Sandy is a Sierra Leonean sprinter known for his participation in the men's 400 meters event at the 1988 Summer Olympics. Throughout his professional career, he demonstrated exceptional speed and agility on the track, showcasing his talents on the international stage. By competing at the highest level of athletic competition, Sandy's dedication to the sport of sprinting has left a lasting impact on the track and field community, inspiring others to pursue excellence in their own athletic endeavors.

Josephus Thomas is a notable Sierra Leonean sprinter known for his participation in the men's 4 × 100 metres relay at the 1996 Summer Olympics. His professional career primarily revolves around his achievements in the sport of sprinting, particularly in relay events. As an Olympic competitor, Thomas has showcased his skill and dedication to track and field, earning recognition for his athletic prowess at a prestigious international event. His contributions to the sport have solidified his reputation as a talented and accomplished athlete in Sierra Leone and beyond.