African Sports Monthly Vol I. Issue II February 2018 | Page 56

ATHLETICS
Ishmael 'Dudu'
Kamara
Sierra Leone’s
Biggest Sprint
Prospect in a
Generation
Despite growing up an ardent football
player and fan with the intent of playing
professional football at some point in his
life, Ishmael ‘Dudu’ Kamara has become
the fastest sprinter of his generation
and he has gained prominence in
running for his native land, Sierra
Leone. 
A tall and rather gangly athlete from the
northern headquarter town of Sierra
Leone, Makeni, Kamara was loved by
many for his fast pace on the pitch
during his active playing days. It was his
strength and quickness that got him
noticed by the Coach of the Northern
Region Athletics team, Alpha Papaya
Kamara. Who would later approach him
to persuade him to try athletics.