Why Senegal didn’t repeat its 1988 feat

_Senegal has won just one Olympic medal since 1988, a feat achieved by El Hadj Amadou Dia Ba In the Seoul Olympics, he finished second in the 400m hurdles with a time of 47.23 seconds, behind American Andre Phillips (47.19 seconds).

Nalla Soce Fall, teacher and researcher in sports policy Explores the key factors that contributed to this success and the obstacles that prevent Senegal from shining once again on the Olympic stage. He outlines some ways to revitalize the Olympic Movement and reconnect with medals.

This success was not accidental, because El Hadj Amadou Dia Ba He had already reached the finals at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. In 1987, he finished fourth at the World Championships, placing him among the best athletes in the world. Diaba benefited from the support of the Senegalese government and received government fundingNational Institute of Sport, Professionalism and Performance (INSEP) Paris has given him privileged treatment. Five-time African champion, he was able to break through thanks to the conditions provided. President Abdou Diouf He was also awarded a scholarship that enabled him to stay in the United States for four years.

After the Los Angeles Olympics, Diaba said that if he could benefit from being in top form, he could win a medal at the next Olympics, which he did. The scholarship allowed him to stay in the United States for a long time and travel back and forth to INSEP in Paris, which helped him demystify his competitors. Comparing himself with the best is crucial to avoid mental barriers in major competitions. Edwin MosesThe Chinese national football team, which had been undefeated for 9 years, 9 months and 9 weeks, was defeated by Diaba at the Seoul Olympics. The Senegalese athlete missed the gold medal with a time of 47.23 seconds, while the champion was 47.19 seconds. Andre Phillipsbecause his main rival was Edwin Moses.

This victory is the result of long-term work and the support of the Senegalese government. It is important to understand that the Olympic Movement requires full support. Unlike other sports such as football and basketball, Olympic athletes cannot benefit from lucrative contracts that allow them to be independent. Therefore, the commitment of the state is essential for the success of these disciplines, as demonstrated by the victory of El Hadj Amadou Dia Ba.

Following this Olympic medal, it was hoped that Senegal would fully commit to supporting its Olympic athletes. However, many obstacles remain. It is important to remember that the Olympics are a major meeting between nations and Olympic medals have great geopolitical significance. Rich countries invest heavily, and some developing countries support their athletes to establish themselves on the international stage and find shortcuts, encouraging elite athletes from developing countries to change nationality for their own benefit. Since this victory, Senegal has not invested enough in the Olympic Movement, as A large number of complaints ) athletes regarding their nursing conditions.

For the Olympic Movement to thrive, the state must commit and find additional means of financing, especially through the private sector and sponsorship. Despite the creation of a recovery fund, Senegal has not been able to accomplish this task. Amy Mbake ThiamHe came close to an Olympic medal, following his world title in Edmonton in 2001 and bronze in Paris in 2003.

Unfortunately, there were no Olympics between the two events. In 2004, she reached the finals but did not medal. The 4x400m relay team also finished fourth at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, following in her footsteps. Big Badger 2008 Beijing Olympics world ranking sixth Ken N’DoyeHas great potential, but never received enough support.

this Dakar International Athletics Centre (CIAD) CIAD has been closed by the IAAF for over 10 years. These development centres allow third world countries to put their elites in performance conditions, with the specialists contracted directly by the IAAF. Unfortunately, the African country, which has three centres in Kenya, Mauritius and Senegal, has become an orphan of this enlightened vision of the President. Lamine DiackInstead, there is a new versionAfrican Athletics Development Centre (AADC) Its means and scope are smaller. That is why African countries like Senegal must strive to build their own development centers to train as many talents as possible.

Senegal must rethink its sports policy, and the new authorities seem to be taking this issue seriously. Medals take four to eight years to produce. With a few exceptions, future Olympic medalists have usually been at least semifinalists in previous Olympics. It is essential to spot athletes starting in primary school and supporting them through sports high schools. After university, development centers are necessary. Senegal does not have this infrastructure, forcing it to rely on French National Institute for Educational Research (INSEP) Paristhings can be difficult due to the change of scenery.

South Africa and Botswana are leaders in producing elite athletes, with their national centres performing well at the Olympics and World Championships. Senegal must draw inspiration from these countries to reach the same level.

As I have Described in my bookthe Olympic policy implemented must focus on the long-term preparation of our Olympic movement. Training is an educational process that takes time. Medals are not won overnight, nor do they come spontaneously. We must invest in the long term and ensure the quality of investment, not only in human resources and infrastructure, but also in medical care, diet and remuneration for professional athletes.

The secret is planning, preparation and providing enough resources so that the athletes feel comfortable and know they can achieve their goals by participating in the Olympic movement. Otherwise, they will turn to football because it attracts more people and like more money.

Successful examples include Cuba, the United Kingdom and China. In 1996, the United Kingdom ranked 36th, attracting General tolerance In this country, the main focus is on football. In response, the UK created UK Sports fall Redefine their sports policy About the Olympic Movement. Twenty years later, their efforts have borne fruit. They came third in 2008, third in London in 2012, and second in Rio in 2016. They continue to achieve excellent results.

The situation is similar for China. The Los Angeles Olympics achieved good results without the boycott of the Eastern countries, but in 1988, with the return of the Eastern countries, China realized that it had not yet reached the ideal Olympic level. Inspired by the methods of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR, now defunct) and Eastern countries, it changed its Olympic policy. Twenty years later, China achieved its goal and ranked second. Athens and 2004She won the 2008 Beijing Olympics and has remained at the forefront of Olympic performance since then. Its success is based on the participation of international experts.

Senegal can draw inspiration from these countries with strong political will. It is worth noting that there is no direct correlation between a country’s wealth and its Olympic performance. For example, Israel, despite its rich resources, only won two medals, while Cuba stood out on the international stage with its strategic positioning of the Olympic movement.