Modupe Jonah

Born and raised in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Modupeh Jonah laid the foundation for the renowned distance running Jonah family dynasty. His brothers and sister would go on to follow his lead in the middle distance events. Known as Jonah, he represented Sierra Leone at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea, after participating in the World University Games. He was a standout athlete and a frequent champion at Fourah Bay College in Freetown, where he was a prominent figure at the university sports festival held annually at its high altitude venue.

In a remarkable turn of events in 1989, Jonah clinched a Bronze Medal in the Steeplechase at the Kuwait Islamic Friendship Games, an event he had not prepared for. With the support of teammate Francis Keita, Jonah achieved the unexpected, securing what is considered one of Sierra Leone's earliest international medals in Athletics. Although retired from active competition and now residing in the US, Jonah continues to be an advocate for enhancing sports conditions and administration in Sierra Leone.