CORNERYAI: Athlete Exclusive Interview: HAFSA KAMARA- Sierra Leone's Fastest Female Sprinter and Record Holder

CornerYai caught up with Sierra-Leonean sprinter, Hafsatu Kamara, who is undoubtedly one of the Sierra Leones most promising track athlete.

She is the current record holder as the fastest Sierra Leonean female 100/ 200m sprinter, clocking in at 11.78 ,breaking the previous 11.87 record.

In the short time since competing, the 24yr-old has already represented Sierra Leone in several International sporting events, including the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and most recently the African Championship sports.

Hafsatu currently trains at the World Athletics Training Center in Phoenix, Arizona on an International Olympic Committee (IOC) Solidarity scholarship which was awarded to SLAA for the country’s athletes to prepare for this year’s Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil.

Speaking to CY she discusses her training, career, athletics in Sierra Leone and the role she plays.

First of all congratulations on all your accomplishments so far!

How did you start in athletics ?

I started at a young age when I lived in Sierra Leone during the mid-1990’s. There’s a photo of me at the National Stadium representing the orange team. Once I was back in the US, I picked up playing other sports like basketball, softball, and soccer. It wasn't until high school that I got back in to track and field. My senior year at Nottingham High School in Hamilton, NJ was a breakthrough year for me. That’s when I really realized the potential I had running and from there it continued in to college and further.

What was your first big win?

My first big win was in 2013 at my first competition representing Sierra Leone at the West African Region II meet in Burkina Faso. I won the 100m Grand Prix invite. That feeling still lingers with me today and helps to keep me motivated.

Which athletes inspire you?

I am inspired by Muhammad Ali, Evelyn Ashford, and Serena Williams. These individuals display what it takes to be an outstanding, person and how to make a difference in the world. If I could replicate 1/4 of the impact they have made in this world, than I have done well.

I look up to my parents. As immigrants for a third-world country they took a chance leaving Sierra Leone in order to give their future generations a better opportunity. As a first generation American, I admire their drive, their focus, and discipline. I hope to continue their hard work and set a platform for success for my children.

How often do you train?

I train about between 4-6 days a week depending on my competition schedule.

What about your education, are you currently in school ?

I have a Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology Exercise Science. I am currently working towards pursuing my Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy.

Hafsa in her spare time, What do you do ?

In spare time I working towards learning new things. I currently working on brushing up on my Arabic. I also love training and coach young athletes in track and field.

Who is currently trending on your playlist ?

I love reggae and dancehall; its my go to genre when it comes to music. Im currently listening to Popcaan, Movado, Vybz Kartel, Iyana, Tory, Lanez, and Wiz Kid.

During training, I like warming up to J. Cole, Drake, Devon Terrell, and Tory Lanez.

On Competing:

How did you feel, firstly representing Sierra Leone in the 2014 Commonwealth Games and recently you broke the Sierra Leone women’s 100m, 200m Record?

I am absolutely proud and humbled to be able to represent the country of my ancestors. Breaking the record was a moment that helped me put in to perspective the potential I have in this sport and helping set an standard for Sierra Leone athletics.

What were your thoughts as you decide to compete for Sierra Leone in the 2014 commonwealth games? Was it to prove something to yourself as an athlete or something much deeper?

At first I went to the Commonwealth Games with a personal vendetta to prove my talents. But once I arrived in Glasgow and I met my Sierra Leone-based teammates my motivation changed. Their goals as far as athletics was to find an outlet from the troubles in Sierra Leone.I wanted to share that goal with them. I realized the unique opportunity I have to be able to live and train in the US. Now I am motivated to help young Sierra Leone athletes find to rise above our troubling issues and be able to receive an opportunity for success.

You just got back from the African Championships in South Africa,

Tell us a little about that.

It was definitely difficult a journey getting to African Championships. Aisha Naive-Wey, Ngozi Musa, and I were able to make it out there and represent Sierra Leone despite the issues laid out in front of us. We weren’t able to run our Women’s 4x100 relay due to lack in number of athletes. Individually we did our best with the position we were placed in. Aisha was able to do well for Sierra Leone and make it through the 400m hurdle finals and finish 7th overall. It is feats like that I encourage us all to keep pushing through the adversities and take each inch given to us.

On Sierra Leone Athletics:

How involved are you with the Athletics organisation in Sierra Leone, If any involvement?

I am well acquitted with the Sierra Leone Athletics officials and members and the National Olympic Committee officials.

Do you keep up with the news of the national team etc?

Not as much as I should. It’s hard with the limited form of communication.

Why do you think sports such as athletics don't get as much representation in Sierra Leone as football does?

Athletics is a poor sport overall. It being an “amateur” sport with recognition only being made every 4 years during the Olympics makes it hard for us to gain continuous support. For countries like Sierra Leone, its even harder for us. We don't have club teams or organizations, just individuals with goals and dreams.

What measures do you think should be put in place to bring awareness to other sporting activities in sierra leone and gain as much recognition and interest as football does?

The people need to show interest. With numbers, comes awareness. We need our families and friends to show support. To come to our meets, to spread the word, to donate to our training and competition. We need businesses to come to our aid, to advocate for the young. Youth/community outreach programs would help to be bring people together and inspire the youth.

If given the opportunity in the future, would you coach the Sierra Leone National team and other aspiring athletes?

Yes I would. I want to start a youth athletics program in Sierra Leone. I want to be able to bring other athletes to Sierra Leone to hold training camps like they do in other countries. That would not only help us as athletes but our country in drawing in drawing in businesses and development.

Finally, What does the future hold for you in athletics?

My personal goal is to continuing breaking my record and make a name for myself as far as a top Sierra Leone Athletes no matter the sport. My community goal is to increase the number of athletes we have competing in track and field. To build and develop sports in our country outside of just football.