Article By Tumany Colley
The Gambian team, consisting of Ebrima Jatta and Ebrima MS Jarju, recently left their mark on the 2023 African/Asianic Pentathlon Championship held in Egypt. Their participation in this event also carried the hopes of securing an Olympic qualification for Paris 2024.
Despite their unwavering dedication and relentless efforts, the Gambian athletes narrowly missed out on Olympic qualification. On a brighter note, they managed to secure a well-deserved bronze medal, sharing the podium with host Egypt, who clinched gold, and Mali, securing silver. The Gambia Pentathlon Federation commended their exceptional performance and remains hopeful for future success on the international stage.
Upon their return, LBD Sports had the opportunity to catch up with the two athletes at Banjul International Airport.
Ebrima MS Jarju expressed that representing The Gambia in such an event was his greatest honour, despite the setback of missing out on Paris 2024. He emphasized the intense competition, where athletes were determined to bring glory to their respective nations.
Discussing the challenges they encountered, Jarju highlighted the limited understanding of pentathlon within the Gambian context, which presented a considerable obstacle. “The information we received here didn’t always match the reality of the competition. We tailored our training based on the briefings we received, but when we arrived at the actual competition, the circumstances were different,” he revealed.
He also noted the absence of a coach, which had a significant impact on their technical preparations. Additionally, the team faced hurdles due to the lack of basic training equipment such as pistols and fencing gear, leading them to observe and emulate those with access to the necessary resources.
Despite these challenges, Jarju expressed his determination to persevere and called upon fellow Gambians to support the sport. He believes that pentathlon holds great potential for the younger generation of athletes and emphasized the need for investment in the sport.
Ebrima Jatta, Jarju’s teammate, shared similar sentiments. While they fell short of qualifying for Paris 2024, he highlighted the invaluable experience gained, which he believes will greatly benefit them in future competitions. He reiterated that the limited awareness of pentathlon among Gambians presented a considerable hurdle. “The reason other countries outperform us lies in their superior facilities and their strong commitment to the sport, which greatly benefits their athletes. Our authorities should take note and provide the support we need, especially in terms of equipment, to enhance our chances of success,” Jatta stressed. Ebrima Jatta’s second international performance underscored the significance of having a coach, which, unfortunately, was lacking in their preparation.
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