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A new star has risen on Sierra Leone’s athletics track. Hawanatu, a student of Dr Kadi Sesay Girls Secondary School in Port Loko, has emerged as the National Under-18 Female Champion, confirming her status as one of the country’s most promising young sprinters.
Competing at the national athletics championship held in Bo, Hawanatu outpaced her rivals in the sprint event, demonstrating explosive speed and composure beyond her age. Athletics observers described her performance as dominant, noting that she “left no room at the front” once the race was underway.
Her victory has sparked celebration across Port Loko District and the wider Northwest Region. The achievement is also a proud milestone for the Bai Bureh Athletics Club, where she trains and continues to sharpen her competitive edge.
Club Coach Alimamy Kanu praised the young athlete’s discipline and commitment, highlighting months of rigorous preparation leading up to the championship.
Hawanatu’s triumph reinforces the growing influence of grassroots mentoring and community support in nurturing female talent in athletics. Her journey reflects the broader push to empower young girls in sports — a movement steadily gaining ground in Sierra Leone.
Sports stakeholders believe her success could open doors to international competitions, where she may represent Sierra Leone in future regional and global meets. For many in the district, Hawanatu’s victory is more than a medal — it is a statement. Port Loko has talent. The Northwest Region has speed. And Sierra Leone has a rising sprint sensation ready to chase even bigger dreams on the international stage.
