Senegalese wrestlers excel in Dakar Youth Olympics

Senegal’s Youth Olympics Sees Teenage Wrestlers Thrive in Beach Wrestling

Sixteen-year-old Elisabeth Diatta represented Senegal at Dakar’s Youth Olympics, competing in beach wrestling. Despite not initially being expected to participate, Diatta seized her opponent and threw them down, securing a 5-1 victory over Japan’s Reisa Kojima in the 55kg final.

Diatta’s path to the gold began when her older sister Jeannine was injured and unable to compete in a wrestling tournament. Diatta took her place and won her first bout, eventually becoming a skilled wrestler. Her participation in beach wrestling was seen as unconventional by some, who believed it would make her less feminine.

Coach Isabelle Sambou, a two-time Olympian, had been training the young wrestlers for months to adapt to the new rules of beach wrestling. The sport differs from traditional Senegalese wrestling, where wins are determined by bringing an opponent to the ground or forcing them onto all fours. In beach wrestling, there is no points system, and a single decisive fall can end the contest.

Diatta’s victory marked Senegal’s first Youth Olympic gold in beach wrestling. Her achievement was celebrated by the crowd, who roared as she danced under the Senegalese flag. Another teenage wrestler, Maguette Diop, also competed in the tournament, having spent months preparing for the event.

The sport of traditional Senegalese wrestling, known as Laamb, carries significant cultural and spiritual importance. Wrestlers seek protection through prayers, rituals, and amulets, accompanied by sabar drums and ceremonial dances. The sport has a long history in Casamance, where Diatta hails from, with women also participating in the traditional profession.

Diop went on to win the boys’ 80kg final, defeating Azerbaijan’s Nihad Suleymanli 4-0. Her victory was met with more dancing and flag-waving, as another Senegalese teenager secured a gold medal.

Source: Al Jazeera