Agate De Sousa
### The Rise of Agate De Sousa: A Track and Field Star from São Tomé and Principe
In the world of track and field, few athletes have made as impressive a journey as Agate De Sousa. Born on June 5, 2000, in São Tomé and Principe, De Sousa has transcended her island nation to become a force to be reckoned with in the long jump and triple jump events. Her remarkable story is one of perseverance, talent, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
#### Early Career and International Debut
De Sousa began her athletic career as a sprinter, with her sights set on competing at the 2017 World U18 Championships in the 100 meters. Although she did not start in that event, she soon transitioned to the long jump, where she would find her true calling. At the 2019 African Games, De Sousa made her international debut in both the 100 meters and long jump. While she finished 26th overall in the 100 meters, barely missing out on the semifinals, she showed promise in the long jump by finishing seventh with a best jump of 6.05 meters from her first attempt[1].
#### Move to Portugal and Rise to Prominence
In mid-2019, De Sousa made a pivotal decision to move to Portugal, where she began competing at the Portuguese Athletics Federation Championships as a non-scoring foreign national. This move proved to be a turning point in her career. Over the next few years, De Sousa significantly improved her skills, setting her first Santomean national record in 2021 with a jump of 6.68 meters, breaking Naide Gomes’s longstanding mark from 2001[1]. Her progress was not without challenges; during the 2021 indoor season, she faced restrictions due to her non-citizenship status, which prevented her from participating in international competitions. However, she adapted by competing in several European meetings, further enhancing her skills.
#### Achievements and Records
De Sousa’s breakthrough came in May 2023 when she set a new personal best of 7.03 meters at the B&S Kurpfalz Gala in Weinheim, Germany. This achievement not only solidified her position as the fourth African woman to clear 7 meters but also earned her recognition as a top contender in the long jump event[1]. Her current Santomean national record in the long jump stands at 7.06 meters, a testament to her consistent improvement and dedication.
In addition to her long jump prowess, De Sousa has also shown promise in the triple jump. Her best performance in this event is 14.13 meters, achieved at the Portuguese Club Championships First Division in Pombal, Portugal[1].
#### International Recognition
De Sousa’s achievements have garnered international attention. At the European Championships in 2023, she jumped 6.91 meters for bronze, demonstrating her ability to perform at the highest level against top-tier athletes[4]. Her performance has positioned her as one of the athletes to watch in the lead-up to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
#### Naturalization Process and Future Prospects
As of 2023, De Sousa had begun the naturalization process to achieve dual citizenship between São Tomé and Principe and Portugal. This move could potentially open up new opportunities for her to compete under Portuguese nationality, similar to Naide Gomes who switched to Portuguese citizenship in 2001[1]. The possibility of dual citizenship underscores De Sousa’s commitment to her sport and her desire to maximize her potential.
#### Impact on Track and Field
Agate De Sousa’s journey is not just about individual achievements; it also reflects the growing diversity and talent within track and field. Her success inspires athletes from smaller nations to pursue their dreams, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, anyone can make a significant impact on the global stage. From her early days as a sprinter to her current status as a top long jumper, she has consistently pushed boundaries and set records. Her story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the limitless potential that exists within every athlete.
Go Agate!
