Simpson decides to compete for mauritius

Three-time All Africa Games gold winning medalist Margaret Simpson says though she has filed for dual citizenship in Italy and Mauritius, she would prefer to feature for the Mauritius national track and field team.

The Ghanaian born heptathlete, revealed her intentions insisting that her preference is to represent Mauritius because that has been her training base for the past 12 years.

The 32-year-old world class athlete, who won three gold medals at the African Athletics Championships and a bronze medal at the Helsinki 2005 World Athletics Championship, is following the footsteps of fellow Ghanaian long-jumper Ignacious Gaisah who switched nationality from Ghana because of what he described as unfair treatment meted out him and some members of the Ghana national athletics team.

“I am seeking two nationalities because Italy and Mauritius both want me to represent them. But fortunately, I would like to be based in Mauritius because I have spent 12 years in that region already and I am well accepted by all. I prefer to live in Mauritius because my coach who is also based in Mauritius has known me since the year 2000. He knows and understands my program and everything,” Margaret Simpson said.

The 2002 Commonwealth Games bronze winning medalist added that, “I quit the sport briefly but for me to back and compete for Ghana, no; I don’t think I want to ever do so. I am not appreciated so I have to move on to a more conducive and professional environment. I am not happy and I don’t think I will compete for Ghana anymore because they treated me badly and I feel very sad in my heart”.

Margaret Simpson was honoured as the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) most dedicated and valour sports personality in 2011.

In 2002, she was recognized as the Athlete of the year and Topmost Sports Personality of the year by the SWAG.