After a pandemic-induced delay, the Olympic Games return this summer, and Sierra Leone is poised to participate alongside 205 other nations.

Sierra Leone already has two swimming athletes already qualified for the 2024 Olympic Games in France.

The Sierra Leone Swimming Federation has confirmed that Joshua JJ Wyse,  Oly and Olamiday Elizabeth Sam will serve as Sierra Leone representatives in the swimming category.

The Games kick off in Paris on Friday, July 26th, 2024, with football (soccer) and Rugby Sevens leading the charge. Over the following 17 days, the world will witness the pinnacle of athletic competition culminating in 13 gold medal events on Sunday, August 11th.

Joshua JJ Wyse etched his name in Sierra Leone’s sports history by becoming the first athlete from the country to qualify for the Olympic Games in France. Wyse secured his qualification during the World Aquatics Championships held in Fukuoka, Japan, in 2023.

 

Wyse, a determined Olympian, not only secured his spot but also set a new national record in the 50-meter freestyle category. His outstanding performance at the Thailand Age Group Swimming Competition on December 21, 2023, earned him the title of the national record holder.

During this competition, Wyse claimed the fourth position with an impressive time of 26.82 seconds, showcasing a significant improvement from his previous time of 27.17 seconds at the World Championships in Abu Dhabi. This exceptional achievement also marked a new Personal Best for Wyse, breaking the previous national record of 26.90 seconds set by Osman Kamara in Rio 2016.

Meanwhile, While some countries might send dozens or even hundreds of athletes, others, like Sierra Leone, would have very few if solely relying on traditional qualification methods. The Tripartite Commission, composed of representatives from the International Olympic Committee, National Olympic Committees, and Summer Olympic Sports Federations, allocates these quotas to eligible National Olympic Committees.

The Paris Games will culminate in a traditional closing ceremony, officially bringing the event to a close in the French capital.

Sierra Leone’s participation in the Olympics is a significant achievement and the country has a chance to showcase its athletic talent on the world stage.