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ASM: You worked with the Athletes in the Pilot Phase of TOP PHYVE what did you learn and what is your take away from your interaction with those athletes that has gotten you to stay and continue to provide your expertise?
Ms. Huliamatu Bah: During the pilot study I learnt that Sierra Leone athletes differ from most American or European athletes. This is in the sense that the Sierra Leone athletes are constantly worried about where their next meal is coming from and if they will be going to bed hungry. Whereas their European and American counterparts have all
the necessary amenities and do not have to concern themselves about basic survival. It saddens me to know that these potential Olympic caliber athletes go to bed hungry. I am glad that programs such as Top Phyve have taken the initiative to help these athletes and because of this, they will be able to compete and hold their own on the world stage.
ASM: Before your foray into the sports world through TOP PHYVE where did you work? After your exposure to the sports world do you now see yourself sticking around for the long haul?
Ms. Huliamatu Bah: As far as working with athletes, I have had the privilege of doing so at the Michael Johnson Performance Center and the Oklahoma University (Boomer, Sooner) and EXOS Performance Center. I learnt a lot while interning at these facilities. I
"I have always been curious about how the human body works especially in correlation with food."
Clinical Dietician - Ms. Huliamatu Bah
interview Contd from P.29