Young Judoka Mariama Koroma Knocks Out in Round of 32
By: Reginald’s Brian O. Sawyerr
Sierra Leone’s judoka Mariama Koroma was eliminated from the Paris Olympics women’s -57 kg event after losing in the round of 32 on Monday.
The 17-year-old faced Taiwan veteran Lien Chen-ling, who secured victory with an Ippon in just 1:06. Despite showing great confidence, Koroma was unable to score before the match ended.
Lien Chen-ling’s win advanced her to the round of 16, where she was subsequently defeated by Perišić of Croatia, with whom she had a tied record from their previous encounters.
Mariama’s passion for Judo began at the age of six, and her dedication and hard work quickly made her a standout in her dojo. By sixteen, she was a rising star on the national circuit, earning numerous victories and the admiration of her peers and coaches.
In preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Mariama trained tirelessly, honing her skills and mental resilience. Her coach had high hopes for her, emphasizing that Judo requires both physical and spiritual strength.
Koroma’s defeat concludes Team Sierra Leone’s judo journey in Paris this summer. However, Idriss Massaquoi, President of the Sierra Leone Judo Association, expressed satisfaction with the young athlete’s display of confidence.
“Mariama showed remarkable self-confidence from start to finish,” said Massaquoi. “For an Olympics debutant, her approach was very impressive.”
Massaquoi, who is also a coach, explained that Koroma had a well-thought-out game plan which she executed as intended. He praised her natural ability and highlighted the need to continue building on her strengths.
“Losing is part of the journey,” he told Mariama. “It’s not about how many times you fall, but how you rise after each fall. Every defeat is a lesson, and every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger.”
