The participation of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games officially ended on Saturday, August 3, marked by the eliminations of Divine Miansadi in swimming and Dominique Mulamba Lasconi in the 100 meters event.
During this world competition, the Congolese athletes have, overall, given the best of themselves given the efforts made to prepare in advance. With the exception of the two boxers who were invited to participate, the other athletes have also received special invitations, thus indicating that there are still gaps to be filled for their qualification to be fully deserved.
It is undeniable that winning an Olympic medal is not limited to a preparation of just a few months, but requires a real long-term program. The key lies in a significant investment over a period of several years, allowing athletes recruited from the age of 15, 16 or 17 to fully develop. It is crucial to emphasize that exceptional results are generally not the result of chance, but of intensive and constant training.
The Secretary General of the Congolese Olympic Committee (COC), Alain Badiashile Kayatshi, stressed that high-level athlete training centers are places conducive to the development of athletes seeking Olympic success. It is essential to get out of one’s comfort zone and confront oneself with intense training programs to aspire to exceptional performances. It is therefore imperative that the DRC adopts a more strategic approach to the development of its sporting talents.
Since its first participation in 1968, the DRC has been chasing an Olympic medal that has always eluded it. It is high time to learn the lessons of previous editions and make bold decisions to propel Congolese sport towards excellence. It will take willpower and determination to remedy the mistakes of the past and elevate Congolese athletes to the top of the international sports scene.
The quest for an Olympic medal for the DRC is a major challenge, but with a long-term vision and adequate investment, it is possible to achieve remarkable feats. It is time to breathe new life into and build a solid sports ecosystem conducive to the emergence of Congolese Olympic champions. The lessons of the past must serve as a foundation for building a bright future for Congolese sport.
The end of Congolese participation in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games thus marks the beginning of a deep reflection on the directions to take to propel Congolese sport towards excellence. It is essential to seize this opportunity to make the necessary changes and transform challenges into opportunities for successThe road to Olympism will not be easy, but with determination and commitment, the DRC will be able to achieve the coveted dream of an Olympic medal.