Sierra Leonean weightlifter Ishmael Kamara has claimed a bronze medal at the African Junior and Youth Weightlifting Championships in Mostaganem, Algeria, adding another international achievement to the country’s growing medal collection.
Competing in the men’s 75kg category, Kamara finished third after recording a combined lift of 215kg, exceeding his initial entry total of 210kg.
Kamara, Sierra Leone’s sole representative at the competition, delivered an impressive performance to secure a podium finish after narrowly missing out on a medal at last year’s championship.
His achievement follows the success of compatriot Francis Kondeh, who made history in Accra, Ghana, last year by winning Sierra Leone’s first medals at the African Junior and Youth Weightlifting Championships. Kondeh secured bronze in both the Youth and Junior 60kg divisions.
Sierra Leone Weightlifting Association Technical Director and coach Sallieu Kamara, who accompanied the athlete to Algeria, praised his improvement and determination.
According to the coach, Kamara’s ability to surpass his projected lifting total demonstrated his progress and readiness to compete at the continental level.
He also commended Association President Mohamed Ragga Bangura for supporting the country’s participation in the championship.
Reacting to the achievement, Bangura congratulated the young weightlifter, describing the medal as another encouraging result for Sierra Leone’s weightlifting development.
“Congratulations to Ishmael who has proved he can do it after he narrowly missed out on the podium last year. We will continue to strive and bring more medals to Mama Sierra Leone,” Bangura said.
The championships, hosted in Mostaganem, Algeria, have attracted approximately 340 weightlifters from 29 countries competing across different age and weight categories.
Kamara’s bronze medal marks another significant achievement for Sierra Leone’s weightlifting programme as the association continues its efforts to develop athletes capable of competing internationally.