Jimmy Thoronka
Jimmy Thoronka (born 6 June 1994) is a professional sprinter from Sierra Leone. He defected from his native country to live in England after competing in the 2014 Commonwealth Games. His mother and four siblings were killed by ebola, and he was arrested in March 2015 while living on the streets in London for "running while black".[1][2] He then had a legal battle with the government of the United Kingdom after his application to stay was rejected.[3]
In May 2018, he was granted the ability to stay in the UK.[4]
Major international competitions[]
| Year | Competition | Venue | Position | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Athletics at the Commonwealth Games | Glasgow, United Kingdom | 6th (Heat 1, Heats) | 4x100m | 40.55 |
Domestic competitions[]
| Year | Competition | Venue | Position | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | United Kingdom Indoor Championships | Birmingham, United Kingdom | 5th (Heat 5, Heats) | 60m | 7.00 |
References[]
- ^ "From top sprinter to homeless in London – what happened next to Jimmy Thoronka?". the Guardian. 2018-05-19. Retrieved 2021-07-15.
- ^ "Top Sierra Leone athlete arrested after he was found living rough in London".
- ^ "Jimmy Thoronka: Home Office rejects application to stay in UK".
- ^ "Sierra Leonean athlete can stay in UK after three-year legal fight".
- ^ Jimmy Thoronka at Tilastopaja (registration required)
- ^ Jimmy Thoronka at Tilastopaja (registration required)
Authority control  |
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Categories:
- Living people
- 1994 births
- Sierra Leonean male sprinters
- British male sprinters
- Athletes (track and field) at the 2014 Commonwealth Games
- Commonwealth Games competitors for Sierra Leone