Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – In a remarkable achievement, Joshua JJ Wyse has etched his name in Sierra Leone’s sports history by becoming the first athlete from the country to qualify for the Olympic Games in France.
Mohamed Turay, the President of Sierra Leone Aquatics, confirmed the exciting news, stating that Wyse, an accomplished swimmer, secured his qualification during the World Aquatics Championships held in Fukuoka, Japan, in 2023.
Wyse, a determined Olympian, not only secured his spot but also set a new national record in the 50-meter freestyle category. His outstanding performance at the Thailand Age Group Swimming Competition on December 21, 2023, earned him the title of the national record holder.
During this competition, Wyse claimed the fourth position with an impressive time of 26.82 seconds, showcasing a significant improvement from his previous time of 27.17 seconds at the World Championships in Abu Dhabi. This exceptional achievement also marked a new Personal Best for Wyse, breaking the previous national record of 26.90 seconds set by Osman Kamara in Rio 2016.
Wyse, who holds a World Aquatics Scholarship, received the scholarship in preparation for the France 2024 Olympics. Expressing his dedication to the upcoming Olympic Games, Wyse affirmed that he is diligently working towards showcasing Sierra Leone’s talent on the global stage.BT/15/1/2024