Featured image by Liberia Olympian Association (Wallace Obey, Ebony Morrison, Robert Dennis, Kia Id-Deen)

On June 23 2022, The Liberia Olympians Association (LOA) posted a certificate to its social media page announcing its formal recognition as the official National Olympians Association of Liberia.

The inaugural group was led by 2012 Olympian Phobay Lolik and fellow board members Emmanuel Matadi (’16, ’20, ’24), Robert Dennis (’96), and Eddie Neufville (’96). These four members spearheaded the organization for its first three years.

Last year, LOA members elected  a new leadership board: President Wallace Obey (’84), Vice President Ebony Morrison (’20, ’24) and Secretary Kia Id-Deen (’08). The members re-elected Dennis as treasurer.

In 2025, Go Team Liberia, asked the new LOA leaders what they’d like their legacy to be. As we commemorate the new board’s first year in office, here’s what they shared.

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President Wallace Obey: Los Angeles 1984 Olympics

Wallace Octavius Obey LOA president

Legacy is not just about personal achievement; it’s about impact, continuity, and transformation. It’s about creating structures, opportunities, and narratives that endure and elevate the collective spirit of Liberian Olympians — past, present, and future.

I would like my legacy to be defined by:

1. Recognition & Honor for Past Olympians

  • Establishing a National Olympians Archive and Hall of Fame to celebrate those who paved the way.
  • Providing support and resources to retired Olympians, ensuring they are never forgotten or neglected.

2. Empowerment of Current and Future Olympians

  • Launching mentorship programs that connect past Olympians with rising stars.
  • Advocating for better funding, training facilities, and international exposure for athletes.

3. Sustainable Athlete Development Programs

  • Partnering with schools, communities, and international bodies to develop long-term athlete pipelines.
  • Promoting Olympic values; excellence, friendship and respect — across Liberia.

4. A Voice for Athletes

  • Ensuring that Liberian Olympians have a seat at the table in national sports decision-making.
  • Promoting athlete welfare, education, and post-competition career opportunities.

5. Reputation and Representation

  • Elevating Liberia’s global image through disciplined, inspired Olympians who represent our nation with pride.

In one sentence:

I want my legacy to be that I turned the Liberia Olympians Association into a powerful engine of honor, opportunity, and national pride — where every Olympian feels seen, supported, and celebrated.

Vice President Ebony Morrison: Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics

As I close this chapter of competing, stepping into the LOA vice president role feels deeply full circle. Representing Liberia changed my life, it gave my journey meaning far beyond the medals or moments on the track.

It gave me a sense of purpose, pride, and connection that will live with me forever.

To me, legacy means leaving things better than you found them. It’s about making the next generation’s path lighter, clearer, and more supported. My hope is that through this role, I can help lighten the load for the athletes still competing, by advocating for their needs, creating more access. My hope is that they’ll feel the impact of this work not just in words, but in real resources, opportunities, and care.

Treasurer Robert Dennis, III: Atlanta 1996 Olympics

To me, legacy means leaving a positive imprint on the people around me.

I hope my legacy is less about me personally and more about the lasting impact of the institution of the Liberian Olympians Association (LOA). My greatest aspiration is that my contributions help enhance the lives and opportunities of future Liberian Olympians.

I would be honored if my work within the LOA helps pave the way for those who come after me, empowering them to reach their fullest potential and continue to elevate the reputation of Liberian athletes on the global stage.

Secretary Kia Id-Deen: Beijing 2008 Olympics

Legacy, to me, is not about titles or accolades—it’s about impact. It’s about what you leave behind in the hearts of others and how your work continues to inspire when you’re no longer in the room. A true legacy is built through service, consistency, and the courage to make a difference that outlives your time in a role

Representing Liberia as an Olympian was a life-changing experience that shaped how I see leadership, perseverance, and purpose. Being an Olympian taught me what it means to dream beyond limitations.

My hope is that my legacy, after my LOA term ends, will be one of impact and continuity—that I helped move the needle forward for the next generation of Liberian athletes. I want to help build a system where athletes have the resources, mentorship, and visibility they need to succeed not only on the field, but in life.

I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to serve, to represent, and to give back to the very community that helped shape me. Liberia’s Olympic journey is still being written, and if my time can play even a small role in advancing that story—strengthening our foundation and inspiring those who come next—then I will have served my purpose well.