Day Two of the Gambia Secondary Schools Sports Association National Athletics Championship delivered a thrilling series of finals, featuring major upsets, dominant performances and emerging talent across track and field events.

One of the biggest stories came in the boys’ 5000m Senior Secondary final, where Abdoulie Drammeh of St. Francis stunned the field to claim gold, ending the long-standing dominance of Abdoulie Saidy of Samaasan. Saidy, who had earlier won the 1500m before lining up in his favourite 5000m event, was unable to secure a podium finish as Bakary Darboe of Charles Jow took silver and Hamat Secka of Bansang earned bronze.

In the girls’ 1500m final, Sohna Ndow of Bottrop delivered a powerful late surge to secure gold, ahead of Binta Jallow of Latrikunda Sabiji and Isatou Sah of Jamisa. The boys’ equivalent saw Abdoulie Saidy bounce back to take gold in a tactical and controlled performance, while Mariama Baldeh of Latrikunda Sabiji impressed in the Open Girls 1500m, winning with a decisive break from the field.

Field events also produced memorable moments. Kaddy Saidy of Basori Upper Basic made history by winning High Jump gold in her school’s debut appearance at the finals. Patrick Loppy of Essau and Fatoumatta Suso of St. George’s claimed U-18 High Jump titles in the boys’ and girls’ categories respectively, while Madiba Jatta of Mahaad and Fatou Sanneh of Mansa Colley dominated the Long Jump events with commanding performances.

In the Upper Basic categories, Dembo Jarju of Abuko and Yahya Dem of Gunjur stood out with strong victories in the U-15 and Upper Basic field events, underlining the depth of young talent on display.

Relay events added further intensity, with Latrikunda Sabiji, Bansang, Farafenni, and Mahaad all securing semi-final victories in the medley and 4x400m mixed relay categories, setting up highly anticipated finals in the days ahead.

With a blend of surprise results, tactical brilliance, and emerging stars, Day 2 firmly raised the competitive standard of this year’s championship as schools continue their push for national glory.

By Ebrima KB Sonko