In Senegal, Girls Can Wrestle Until Marriage

In Senegal, wrestling is not just a sport; it is a cultural phenomenon where athletes are revered like celebrities. Among them is Sambou, a female wrestler whose journey began in her village, where women also participate in the sport. Inspired by her aunt, Awa Sy, a former village champion, Sambou was discovered by a professional coach during the Festival of the King of Oussouye. This pivotal moment led her to join the national Olympic wrestling team, despite the challenges she faced as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated arena. Sambou represented Senegal at the Olympic Games in London and Rio de Janeiro, although she did not secure a medal. Her experiences highlight the societal stigma surrounding female wrestlers in Senegal, where she often faced ridicule for her athletic pursuits and attire. “When I walked around in shorts, people were saying: ‘Look, is it a woman or is it a boy?’” she recalled, emphasizing the cultural hurdles she had to overcome. After years of dedication, Sambou retired from professional wrestling in 2016, returning to her village where training facilities are limited. Despite the lack of resources, she remains proud of her contributions to the sport and her country. “I gave everything to wrestling,” she stated, reflecting on her journey. Sambou’s story is emblematic of the changing perceptions of women in Senegalese society, as she notes that attitudes are evolving, and more people are beginning to accept and celebrate female athletes.