Rédaction Africa Links 24 with babucarr balajo
Published on 2024-04-05 10:07:16
Alasan Ann’s journey from being a gunshot survivor to securing an Olympic taekwondo spot for The Gambia is nothing short of inspiring. The 23-year-old athlete found himself in a terrifying situation when he was hit by a bullet while hanging out with friends in Minneapolis. Despite the scare and undergoing surgery to remove bullet fragments, Ann was determined to not let this incident derail his dreams of competing in taekwondo. Just four months after the shooting, he secured a spot at the Olympic qualifier for Paris 2024, becoming the first Gambian to earn an Olympic berth in taekwondo.
Ann’s path to taekwondo started as a child when his mother enrolled him in martial arts classes to help improve his focus. Inspired by U.S. taekwondo Olympians, Ann set his sights on competing in the Olympics. Training under Grandmaster Eui Lee at the World Taekwondo Academy in Maple Grove, Ann quickly rose through the ranks in U.S. taekwondo, winning numerous national championships. When the opportunity arose to represent The Gambia, Ann seized it, determined to make his fatherland proud.
Despite facing taller opponents in his weight category, Ann’s strength and skill earned him the nickname ‘the Gambian Goliath’. His journey as a Gambian athlete saw him qualify for the World Championships and eventually secure a quota spot for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Ann’s qualification not only made history for The Gambia but also instilled a sense of pride and renewed confidence in his own abilities.
Looking ahead to the Paris 2024 Olympics, Ann expressed his ambition to shock the world and possibly go for gold. Inspired by past African Olympic champions like Cheick Sallah Cisse, Ann is determined to make his mark on the global taekwondo stage. Training during the fasting period of Ramadan has also strengthened Ann’s mental discipline and endurance, further preparing him for the challenges ahead.
In addition to his rigorous training regime, Ann is also focused on raising funds to support his Olympic journey and has recently opened a taekwondo school in Minnesota to mentor and train future talents. His commitment to leaving a legacy in both Africa and North America through his participation in the Olympics highlights his dedication to the sport and his desire to inspire the next generation of athletes.
As Ann prepares for the Paris 2024 Olympics, he carries with him the weight of being the first Gambian to achieve an Olympic qualifying spot in taekwondo. However, he also feels the immense pride and support from his fans and the people of The Gambia, motivating him to continue pushing boundaries and striving for excellence on the global stage. His resilience and determination in the face of adversity exemplify the true spirit of an Olympic athlete, making Alasan Ann a beacon of hope and inspiration for many around the world.
Read the original article on The Standard
