Senegalese girls can become wrestlers — and win. But only until marriage
Voice of America
Coach Isabelle Sambou, 43 , two-time Olympian and nine-time African wrestling champion, center, explains moves to young women during a wrestling training, in Mlomp, southern Senegal, July 10, 2024. SenegaCoach Isabelle Sambou, 43 years old, two-time Olympian and nine-time African wrestling champion, left, speaks to young women during a wrestling training in Mlomp, southern Senegal, July 10, 2024. Coach Isabelle Sambou, 43 years old, two-time Olympian and nine-time African wrestling champion, plays with children at her house in Mlomp, southern Senegal, July 10, 2024. Young women coached by Isabelle Sambou, two-time Olympian and nine-time African wrestling champion, wait before a wrestling training in Mlomp, southern Senegal, July 10, 2024.
It's almost dusk, and the West African heat is finally faltering. In Mlomp, a village in southern Senegal, dozens of teenagers in colorful jerseys are throwing each other to the ground to the rhythm of Afrobeats against a backdrop of palm trees.
