Sierra Leone’s leading female boxer, Josefien Betist, has continued her impressive rise in international boxing after securing her third gold medal in the space of six months, further solidifying her position as one of the country’s brightest sporting talents.
Josefien Betist’s remarkable golden streak began in December 2025 when she emerged victorious at the Winter Box Cup held in Manchester, England. Demonstrating consistency and determination, she followed up the achievement with another gold medal at the Riga Ladies International Box Cup in Latvia in March 2026.
Her latest triumph came in Rostock, Germany, where she clinched gold in the 60kg Elite Female category at the Internationaler Greifenpokal 2026 tournament, adding yet another major international accolade to her growing collection.
The Sierra Leonean boxer stood proudly on the podium as the country’s national anthem echoed across the stadium, marking a proud moment not only for Josefien but for Sierra Leone as a whole.
Speaking during a phone interview, Josefien Betist expressed delight over her recent achievements, describing the three gold medals as a major morale booster as she intensifies preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, later this summer.
She noted that the medals are evidence that her hard work, discipline and patience are paying off.
“I’m very happy with the progress we made over the last year. So the gold medals are just the proof for me that everything is working and that with enough patience I’ll get better and better each day,” Josefien Betist stated.
Looking ahead, the talented boxer disclosed that her full attention is now focused on the Commonwealth Games, where she hopes to bring home a historic gold medal for Sierra Leone.
When asked about potential competitors, Josefien Betist maintained that she is not preoccupied with rivals but instead focused on personal growth and improving her boxing abilities.
“I’m now focusing on the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. As to who my rivals will be? I don’t know,” she said.
“I don’t really care either. I want to focus on being the best boxer I can possibly be right now and show everyone that I belong at this level of boxing. So I’m not busy with who my rivals might be, I’m busy with who I might still become before it is go time,” she added.
Beyond the Commonwealth Games, Josefien Betist has set her sights on an even greater ambition; qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. If successful, she would become Sierra Leone’s first female boxer to participate in the Olympic Games.
Currently based in Ireland, Josefien Betist maintains an intense training schedule, dedicating six days a week and two sessions each day toward sharpening her skills and fulfilling her dream.
She also expressed gratitude to the Government of Sierra Leone, the Sierra Leone Boxing Association and the Sierra Leone National Olympic Committee for their continued support throughout her journey.
Josefien Betist’s continued success is increasingly inspiring a new generation of female boxers in Sierra Leone, many of whom now look up to her as a role model and source of motivation.
With three international gold medals already won in six months, Sierra Leoneans will undoubtedly be watching closely as Josefien pursues greater success on the global stage.
