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Sierra Leonean weightlifter Francis Kondeh has won the country’s first-ever medals at the African Junior and Youth Weightlifting Championships, currently underway in Accra, Ghana.
Competing at the Ga Mashie Hall, Trust Sports Emporium, Kondeh earned bronze medals in both the Youth and Junior 60kg categories. In the Youth division, he lifted 85kg in the Snatch and 100kg in the Clean and Jerk to claim third place. He later repeated the feat in the Junior division, marking a significant milestone for Sierra Leone on the continental stage.
Technical Director Sallieu Kamara, who traveled with the team, described the achievement as a proud moment for the country despite challenges faced in preparing for the event. Kamara also acknowledged the efforts of Weightlifting Association President Mohamed Ragga Bangura, crediting him for ensuring Sierra Leone’s participation in the championships.
The competition has attracted 82 lifters from more than 20 African nations, including 29 junior men, 24 junior women, 15 youth men, and 14 youth women. The event continues to serve as a platform for developing young talent and promoting weightlifting across the continent.
Kondeh’s performance is being viewed as a boost for Sierra Leone’s presence in the sport, with hopes that it will encourage further investment and development in weightlifting programs nationwide.
