Tokyo 2020: Sierra Leone’s Judo Athlete disqualified
By: Christian Conteh
Sierra Leones Judo athlete Frederick Harris has reportedly been disqualified from competing in the 81kg event in the ongoing Olympic games in Tokyo, Japan; Unisa Deen Kargbo the delegations Chef de Mission has reported.
“Sad to inform the general public that the Judo athlete, Frederick Harris was disqualified today from competing in the 81kg event. The athlete weigh 84Kg which is 4Kg above his fighting weight.” Unisa said
He further expressed the National Olympic Committees (NOC) disappointment at this development and vehemently condemns the athlete and the Judo Federation for failing to monitor his weight.
“Let it be known that Frederick Harris was issued a Wild Card Qualification by the International Judo Federation as best Looser in the African Championship held in Madagascar in 2020. The Judo Federation received the invitation and accepted it with a strong pledge that the athlete will compete.” said Unisa
He further revealed that the NOC then prepared the accreditation and did the necessary for the athlete to compete.
“Today 27th July, we were all sitting in the Games Village watching the TV hoping to see him in action, when suddenly we saw Sierra Leone as ‘Did Not Start’. It’s unfortunate considering the investment the NOC and the government of Sierra Leone have put towards the athletes.” Unisa lamented
He noted that the issue has already been presented to the Minister of Sports and the National Sports Authority (NSA) Executive Director both of who are in Japan. He assures that an investigation will be carried out for possible sanctions against the athlete and maybe Judo as a Federation.
Meanwhile he informed Sierra Leoneans that the NOC has informed NSA that the athlete will be removed from the Games Village and will return home earlier than scheduled.
In another development Unisa Deen Kargbo informed Sierra Leoneans that the country’s female Swimmer Tity Dumbuya tested Positive for COVID-19 in Ghana on her way to Japan. He said she was held at the Ghana airport for a second test which fortunately turned out to be Negative.
“She is now on her way to Japan. She has been scheduled through Ethiopia then Korea before she arrives in Japan. According to flight schedule she will arrive in time to compete.” Unisa ended.