Gambia’s star athlete Edrissa Marong has died after a brief illness, shocking the country’s sports community.

Marong, who was in his 20s, passed away on Monday night (23 January) following a brief illness. 

The Gambia Athletic Association (GAA) has confirmed the death of young athlete, who holds the country’s 800m national record.   

 “The GAA announces with regret the demise of Edrissa Marong, National Record holder in the 800 Metres. This sad event occurred last night after a brief illness. He will be laid to rest today,” it said in a statement 

Marong, popularly known by his track name Energy, has represented the Gambia at numerous international competitions, including the ECOWAS Athletic Youth Championship. 

He was a former student of Botrop Senior Secondary School where his athletics talent blossomed.