Senegalese surfer Cherif Fall has a dream: to represent his country at the Olympic Games. The goal, difficult but possible, marks every training session.
He grew up on the beach of Ngor, in Dakar, where he learned to slide on broken boards abandoned by tourists. Today he is the benchmark of surfing in Senegal.
His sporting career has been marked by a lack of resources. Although he has private sponsorship, the scarcity of resources limits his presence on the international circuit.
Fall was due to take part in the World Cup in Puerto Rico, the final qualification route for Paris 2024. However, the lack of institutional support thwarted the trip.
Far from giving up, he has returned to California and plans to compete in Texas. He insists he will keep fighting until he reaches the Olympic Games.
Surfing is gaining ground in Senegal thanks to new schools and promising young surfers. Fall wants to lead the way and show that Africa also has a future in this sport.
Source: olympics.com; fr.africanews.com