 Following the African Fencing Championships that took place from 25 to 27 April in Casablanca (Morocco), Mamadou Keita, who became Champion of Africa, and Abdoulaye Thiam who ranked 5th, have obtained their Olympic tickets for the Games. Holders of a CONFEJES scholarship, these two Senegalese fencers are ready for Beijing! You qualified for the Olympics a few weeks ago. How do you feel?
A. Thiam: It’s extraordinary! Going to the Olympics means we have reached the highest level. It is also the result of 5 years of hard work...
M. Keita: Yes, we have worked hard to get this qualification. We are also proud to be the first black African fencers to qualify by points for an Olympic Games. The Games is also the biggest event ever and to participate in it is a real pride. Do you follow a special preparation for these Games?
M. Keita: Everything is fine. We cannot undergo specific training here in Senegal for these Games but we train all the time to be ready on the physical, technical and psychological levels. We may be given the opportunity to complete in Las Vegas (USA). What are your goals for these Games?
A. Thiam:I would like to go beyond the first round!
M. Keita:I would like to create a surprise. I am the African champion. I would like to prove to everyone that this is a title that I deserve. And if I start dreaming, I see myself in the first 4 of the Olympic tournament... Some very talented African fencers are emerging. How do you see the evolution of your discipline inAfrica?
M. Keita: Yes, the situation is improving. Previously, only the Maghreb countries had good fencers but now other countries such as Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso or the Congo have high-level fencers. The development is definitely going in the right direction for the entire continent.
Can you see yourself in Beijing as an incentive to young Africans to practice fencing?
M. Keita:Yes, and that is why we hope to get good results in Beijing. Because it will attract media attention and awareness for our discipline. We want to convey the love of our sport to the young and the desire to be initiated in Fencing. In Senegal, it is by attending to our competitions that many young people began to practice fencing. Some of them are now in the under 16 national team!
A. Thiam: I completely agree with Mamadou. We need to shine in Beijing to motivate young people. Anything you wand to add before ending this interview?
A. Thiam: I would like to thank God, our federation and its president, our coach and the national team. All help us to be on top form for these Games.
M. Keita: It is not only for our country, Senegal that we will be in Beijing. But also to represent Africa and we are indeed proud of it!
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