Featured image compiled by LIB Olympic Blog
Three members from Liberia’s national team will compete at the 2018 African Senior Athletic Championship. Heptathlete Maya Neal, sprinter Akeem Sirleaf and hurdler Wellington Zaza will represent the country. Sayon Cooper, head coach for the national team, made it clear that he would be taking an elite group.
“Liberia will be represented with strong medal contenders.,” Cooper said.
Neal had a record breaking season. She scored 5,456 points in the heptathlon. Neal secured her spot on the ASABA 2018 team, after setting new personal bests in the high jump, shot put and 200 meters dash. Sirleaf wrapped up his 200 meters season with a 20.95 seconds(+1.4 wind) season’s best. Just .45 seconds shy of his personal best. Lastly, Zaza ended his 110 meter hurdles season with 13.67 seconds(0 wind). All athletes exceeded ASABA 2018 entry standards.
Meet the Team
The selected athletes have all made headlines, over the years. Neal is known for her annual sports shoes drive. She collects soccer cleats and track shoes throughout the year for her fellow Liberian athletes. Sirleaf has been wowing coaches since high school and Zaza’s story has inspired many.
Support the Team
The championship begins August 1st and lasts through the 5th. To support Liberia’s team at ASABA 2018, purchase a $10 wristband. Send an email to immlegal@yahoo.com with a name and shipping address. Include “Go Team LIB” in the subject line. The funds will help pay for entry and travel fees.
We wish the selected runners much success in ASABA. We also wish the entire national team much success as they race to Tokyo 2020. The journey has begun.
The athletics federation and the local Olympics committee in Liberia should make every effort in procuring a Fully Automatic Time {FAT}. Most athletes in Liberia can not qualify for international competitions because there is no FAT system. Locals athletes have a lot of potential but they are denied .
Thanks for speaking up about this. We completely agree and will work to bring attention to this and other issues that hinder local athletes from qualifying and reaching their full potential. Thanks again.