The Gambia delegation to the just concluded 2012 London Olympic Games returned home on Tuesday. The delegation that was on board a SN Brussels Airline landed at the Banjul International Airport at 9.30pm local time, and was received by officials of both the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Gambia National Olympic Committee.

The delegation comprises of Dodou Capi Joof, president of Gambia Athletes Association; Suwaibou Sanneh, Gambian sprinter; Bamba Njie, trainer; and Babubcarr Camara of the Daily Observer Newspaper.

Speaking to this reporter at the Banjul International Airport shortly after their arrival, Suwaibou Sanneh, who returned home without a medal said his performance was good, as he had retained his personal best in all his races.

Suwaibou Sanneh represented The Gambia in the 2008 Beijing Olympic and this time he managed to qualified to the semi-finals of the 100metres race, which he said he was very grateful for, as it was a big achievement for him. He also thanked all Gambians for supportinghim.

Dodou Capi Joof, president of the Gambia Athletic Association (GAA) said the team has done it, while thanking the Ministry of Youth and Sports, GNOC, and GAA for the support.

Saruba's 'absconding'

Quizzed by this reporter on the whereabouts of Saruba Colley, amid speculations that she disappeared from the Olympic village since the 5th of August, Joof said Saruba is with her two sisters in UK. “We cannot say she absconded until November when her six-months visa will expire. She has the right to stay in England till November,” he added.

Asked Whether it would not have been better if Saruba had stayed at the Olympic village until the official closing of the Games, and then continue on her private visit, Joof replied: “I think she should have asked us that she wants to stay because no one will stop her from staying, but what I am saying now is let us stop speculating until at the end of expiration of her visa; then if she is not here then we know she abscondeed.”