Born: 1990 (Berlin, Germany)
Biography:
Mariama Jamanka, born on August 23, 1990, is a retired German bobsledder who made history by winning the Gold medal in the two-woman event with her teammate Lisa Buckwitz at the 2018 Winter Olympics. Known for her exceptional athleticism and determination, Jamanka’s journey to becoming an Olympic champion is a testament to her hard work and perseverance.
Before transitioning to bobsledding, Jamanka had a successful career as a discus and hammer thrower in her hometown of Berlin. However, in 2013, she made the decision to switch to bobsledding, captivated by the thrill and excitement of the sport. Her natural athleticism and strength quickly made her a promising contender in the bobsleigh world.
In the 2015-16 season, Jamanka made her debut in the Bobsleigh World Cup, showcasing her talent and determination to succeed. It was during this time that she started to make a name for herself in the sport and caught the attention of the German bobsleighing community.
In January 2017, Jamanka achieved a major milestone by winning the European Championship in Winterberg alongside her brakewoman, Annika Drazek. This victory cemented her status as one of the top bobsledders in the world and showcased her ability to perform under pressure.
Later that same year, Jamanka was selected to be part of the gold-winning German team in the mixed team event at the IBSF World Championships in Königssee. This victory further solidified her position as a formidable force in the sport and allowed her to gain invaluable experience competing at the highest level.
However, Jamanka’s biggest challenge came in the lead-up to the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. Germany’s head coach René Spies made the decision to mix up the brakewomen of the country’s top two-woman bobsleigh teams, assigning Annika Drazek to pilot Stephanie Schneider while pairing Jamanka with Schneider’s former brakewoman, Lisa Buckwitz. This unexpected change put Jamanka and Buckwitz in a challenging position, as they were not seen as the favored team for the Games.
Despite the odds stacked against them, Jamanka and Buckwitz defied expectations and emerged victorious in the two-woman event, securing Germany’s first gold medal in the discipline since 2006. Their incredible performance not only showcased Jamanka’s exceptional talent as a bobsledder but also demonstrated her resilience and ability to thrive in high-pressure situations.
Following her triumphant Olympic victory, Jamanka continued to compete in the sport, but in April 2022, she announced her retirement from bobsledding. Although she retired at a relatively young age, her legacy as an Olympic champion and trailblazer for women in bobsleighing will continue to inspire future generations of athletes.
Personal:
Born to a German mother and a father from the Gambia, Mariama Jamanka’s multicultural background has undoubtedly shaped her perspective and contributed to her determination to succeed. Her unique identity as a biracial athlete adds to her inspirational story and further highlights her resilience in overcoming any obstacles she encountered throughout her career.
Awards:
– Gold medal in the two-woman event at the 2018 Winter Olympics.