US-based Gambian Taekwondo athlete Alasan Ann remains the only Gambia’s medal hopeful at the Paris 2024 Olympics as he starts his campaign on August 10 in the men‘s 81 kg category.

Ann will become the first and only Gambian to win an Olympic medal if he succeeds in his upcoming fight in four days to go.

“Gambia’s medal hope now rests on the shoulders of Taekwondo super star Alasan Ann in the men 81kg fight on August 10th at. Ann is the first Gambian athlete to qualify to the Olympic Games in Taekwondo, will he become the first Gambian to win an Olympic medal?” Gambia National Olympics Committee (GNOC) said.

Nearly all of the Gambian athletes at the Olympics including sprint queen Gina Bass Bittaye have failed to secure a medal despite showcasing spectacular performances in the qualifying stages.   

Gina Bass-Bittaye is one of the most decorated Gambian sprinter and Africa’s fastest female runner. She represented the country in both 100 and 200 metres and qualified to the semis. At the semis, her hopes were dashed after failing to qualify for the finals.

“The three time Olympian finishes 4th in heat three of women’s 200m semi-finals. Congratulations Gina and we now work harder for LA28,” GNOC said. 

However, some Gambians have been reacting to her performance with congratulations, but called on the state to give more support to her and other Gambians athletes to get themselves prepared for the upcoming games.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba