Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

18th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Senegalese Wrestlers

Wrestling has become the number one national sport in Senegal, ahead of football (soccer), and has also become a means of social ascendance. Wrestling is not just seen as a sport, it is also a slice of African life, tradition, and culture, in which there is a curious mix of animist and Muslim beliefs. These pictures show how young wrestlers from Fass and Soumbédioune train at Dakar´s beach. They are between 22 and 27 years old and dream to be national champions.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 10.2019
Date Uploaded: 11.2020
Photo Location: Dakar, Senegal
Camera: NIKON D3S
Copyright: © José A. López Soto