Mahaad Senior Secondary School have successfully defended their title at the Gambia Secondary Schools Sports Association National Inter Schools Athletics Championship, finishing top of the medal table with an impressive all-round performance.

Mahaad amassed 11 gold, 8 silver and 5 bronze medals, accumulating 110 points to comfortably secure first place. Their dominance was built on consistency across both track and field events, underlining their depth and balance as a team.

Jamisa emerged as a strong challenger, finishing second with 7 gold, 8 silver and 6 bronze medals, totalling 86 points. Latrikunda Sabiji completed the top three with 66 points, powered by solid performances in middle-distance and field events.

Medal Table Analysis

Mahaad’s victory was not just about the number of gold medals but also their ability to consistently place athletes on the podium. Their 24 total medals ensured a steady flow of points, giving them a clear edge over rivals.

Jamisa, despite matching Mahaad in silver medals, fell short in gold count, which ultimately proved decisive. Latrikunda Sabiji showed strength in specific disciplines but lacked the spread needed to challenge for the position.

Nema-Su finished fourth with 48 points, while Brikama rounded off the top five with 28 points, highlighting a noticeable gap between the leading trio and the chasing pack.

Key Performances That Shaped the Championship

Mahaad’s triumph was driven by standout individual and team performances.

Rohey Camara successfully defended her 400m U-18 title and played a crucial role in relay events, showcasing both speed and leadership.

Jainaba Saidy delivered in the sprints and anchored Mahaad to relay success, including a decisive performance in the 4x100m U-18 girls.

In relays, Mahaad demonstrated exceptional teamwork, winning key events such as the 4x400m mixed relay and medley relays, which contributed valuable points.

Beyond Mahaad, the championship also witnessed remarkable performances across the board:

Buba Bayo (Bilbao) of Nema-Su dominated the sprints, completing a double in the 100m and 200m Open Boys.

Ebrima Jarju of Brikama Senior Secondary secured a middle-distance double, winning both the 1500m and 800m U-18.

Mariama Baldeh of Latrikunda Sabiji delivered a stellar campaign, winning the 1500m, claiming silver in the 3000m, and adding gold in the 800m.

Mahaad’s back-to-back triumph reflects a well-structured athletics program, combining elite individual talent with strong team coordination, especially in relays.

While Jamisa and Latrikunda Sabiji pushed hard, Mahaad’s superior medal spread and consistency ultimately sealed their dominance, reaffirming their status as the powerhouse of school athletics in The Gambia.

By Ebrima KB Sonko