I have not had time to comment on the ongoings in Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Japan since the athletics programs started, but now that I do, let us go.  

Can anyone name the first time that Gambian won an Olympic gold medal?  You will be surprised there is none. Anyway, let us celebrate Gina Bass’s accomplishment at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic, the first Gambian to make it into the 100m women semi-finals against all odds. And we need to cheer all our other Olympians who have endured a brutal year to maintain their form and made it to Tokyo.

As usual, I remain a pragmatic Gambian who still loves the best this country offers, despite all available evidence. Today, Gina Bass is the most extraordinary athlete in the Gambia, competing in the 2020 Tokoyo Olympics in Japan without a gold medal.  

Gina Bass finished 4th in Women’s 100m semi-finals in 11.16 her personal best and a national record. Though she may not have made it to the finals, this is a significant advancement for Gambians in the athletic competition. 

She is still a diamond on the rough. With hard work, dedication, world-class facilities, and coaching, she could be a world-beater. So take a bow, our daughter, our nieces, and our sister and our mother!

Australia has 25 million people and has won 30 medals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The Gambia has 2.5 million people, and we have won 0 medals. Even San Marino, a nation with only 33,000 people, has won 2 medals. 

How can we be behind technologically and also behind athletically? Then where is our strength? Is it in people like Boybairaay and Domorifoday with their Sosalassoor and Tafyengal political parties? 

Let us face it, we are heading in a very wrong direction, and it is time to question if the Gambia is working. We are giving the “Smiling Coast” a bad name. If it is debt, public sector corruption, maraboutism, male chauvinism, blackmailing, “Hasidiyaa,” extreme poverty, gossiping, tribalism, “social media Kawyeyaa” disrespect for civil rights, and religious extremism, we appear to have the undisputed “Gold Medal.” 

Other nations have well-educated Gambians doing extremely well at the global level. At the same time, some of our “Tangal Cheeb politicians” in our National Assembly are men whose highest certificate is a WAEC certificate. 

Other leaders’ university degrees remain questionable (and even that is doubtful). You cannot succeed outside your educational qualification. 

Gina Bass is an outstanding athlete, an actual role model, and a powerful woman. Nothing will change that. My message: Would you mind not sacrificing your emotional or physical well-being for our entertainment or national pride? 

We are proud of you for being brave enough to compete on the world stage and proud of you for having the wisdom of inspiring a generation of young boys and girls. Your participation makes you an even better example to our daughters and nieces than you were before. WE ARE STILL ROOTING FOR YOU!

By Alagi Yorro Jallow