Mauritania's Olympic Committee chief discusses Beijing hopes

2008-07-31

Mauritania's Olympic team this year consists of two runners, who will leave Nouakchott on August 4th to compete in the 100m and 800m events. National Olympic Committee President Dr. Mohammed Mahmoud Ould Ommah talks to Magharebia about his country's preparations for the Beijing Games.

Interview by Mohamed Yahya Ould Abdel Wedoud for Magharebia in Nouakchott – 31/07/08

[Mohamed Yahya Ould Abdel Wedoud] President of the Mauritanian National Olympic Committee Dr. Mohammed Mahmoud Ould Ommah said "we are participating in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and we are full of hope."

Mauritania will be represented by two athletes at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. To learn more about Mauritania's preparations for the games, Magharebia spoke recently with Dr. Mohammed Mahmoud Ould Ommah, President of the Mauritanian National Olympic Committee.

Magharebia: What can you tell us about the national preparations for this year's Olympic Games?

Mohammed Mahmoud: We in Mauritania will participate this year with two runners, one in 100m and another in 800m. Each runner will be accompanied by his own trainer as part of an 11-member delegation.

Magharebia: What are your expectations?

Mohammed Mahmoud: The athletes who will win the medals are known in advance because of their history and the records they have set. For instance, in 100m, it is known that the gold medals always go to Jamaican runners. In general, the status of sports differs from one country to another, [due to] infrastructure and people specialised in training. Elite sports, such as Olympic Games, require that athletes be full-time athletes in order to improve and develop their abilities. It is not possible for an individual to train at the international level and maintain another job!

Magharebia: Do you think Mauritanians will be among the medallists?

Mohammed Mahmoud: I don't think so. Winners in the 100m, for example, have to run in under 10 seconds. They must have special abilities and preparations. We know that some of our people are still astonished when they see someone practicing running alone; something that reflects a lack of interest in sports. In addition, runners must receive special material and moral attention to allow them to go on trips and participate in regional and international competitions. Unfortunately, our Ministry of Sports and Youth didn't take this into consideration. Nevertheless, we are participating in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and we are full of hope, God willing.

Magharebia: When will the Mauritanian delegation leave for China, and will it include any journalists?

Mohammed Mahmoud: The delegation will depart on August 4th and will include some journalists for the media coverage. This year, the International Olympic Committee ran a media sensitisation programme. We participated in the programme with a representative who will arrive in Beijing on August 13th.