Fatoumata Sylla is the first Guinean athlete to compete in the Olympic Games archery event ...

[Bilal Mahmud المكافح المخلص]

When Fatoumata Sylla received the call-up for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, it fulfilled the dream of not just an ambitious girl from Conakry – but marked a huge step forward for her country.

By PRIYANKA SHARMA

This will be the first time Guinea has a representative in archery at the Olympics.

The country has been actively participating in the Games since 1968, four years after its national archery federation was formed in 1964, but had only sent athletes to compete in seven sports.

“I didn’t know what to say,” says Sylla. “I felt so great because I had just made the dream of an entire federation come true… all the archers, coaches and members of the federation placed their trust in me.”

The thought of standing on the shooting line at Invalides invokes goosebumps.

“Wow! Paris Olympics! I already feel like I’m in a great sporting celebration where I’m going to meet the best archers in the world,” she says.

It‘s a big responsibility that the 22-year-old bears, after securing one of the four available invitation places for promising young athletes to the Games.

“I have to work a lot harder than before to maintain this pride and confidence from my federation,” she says. 

No doubt she’ll be ready to take on the challenge.

Having been introduced to the sport in her school in Conakry, Sylla said the challenges to play the sport are plenty in Guinea, a country facing socioeconomic challenges.

“For all Guinean archers, beginners and elites, the biggest problem in our country is equipment,” she explains.

At the beginning of her career, she trained with a PVC bow and rattan arrows shooting on cardboard targets, still a common situation in the country.

“In the winter season training was even more difficult,” the youngster adds.

Fatoumata also faced difficulty in integration into the national team, as Guinea had quite a few female athletes who were already participating in international competitions.

“Among these girls, I had to find my place in the team,” Sylla pointed out. “That wasn't easy.” 

“I had to work morning and evening outside school hours and even on weekends.”

After the initial struggle, she joined the Matam Archery Club, which trained 20 archers - boys and girls. 

This was ponly the beginning of her journey.

Full article:  https://www.worldarchery.sport/news/201709/syllas-olympic-call-fulf...

[Bilal Mahmud المكافح المخلص]

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[Bilal Mahmud المكافح المخلص]

Fatoumata Sylla made history by becoming the first athlete from Guinea to represent the country in archery at the 2024 Olympic Games. Her participation marks a significant milestone for Guinean sports, highlighting the country's growing presence on the international stage in disciplines beyond its traditional strengths. Sylla's achievement not only showcases her individual talent and dedication but also paves the way for future athletes from Guinea to pursue competitive archery at the highest levels of global sports.