So, I knew zero about SJL beyond her track & field success until today. She was born in Gambia and lived there with a single mother until the age of 9 at which time she and her 4 sisters came to live with their father in the US. She showed great athletic promise and was eventually adopted (with her Gambian parents' full consent) her sophomore year in HS (2019-2020) by her Charlotte, NC track coaches (husband and wife), the Lockharts. She joined their family of 3 sons, track athletes all, and continued her ascent in the sport.
OK.
Well, it just so happens that her adoptive father and coach, Daszmar Lockhart, was convicted in August 2019 of a 2017 felony sex offense against a 13 year-old girl. He exposed himself to her in a grocery store.
This happened two years before he was allowed to adopt a teenage Sanu Jallow.
Then, in September 2024, he was hit with a litany of charges from several years prior. It was all over the local news.
- Statutory Rape of a Child 15 years of age or Younger (1 count)
- Indecent Liberties with a Child (4 counts)
- Statutory Sex Offense with a Child 15 years of age or Younger (2 counts)
https://www.wbtw.com/news/state-regional-news/charlotte-independent-track-coach-charged-with-child-sex-crimes-cmpd/
That case is still "pending" on the Mecklenburg County Superior Court website, and the article above certainly makes it sound like it could just be the tip of the iceberg.
Now, right after the 800m final, I watched an emotional moment between SJL and Daszmar Lockhart followed by an interview that was basically just him doing all the talking, and talking like HE's her coach as opposed to, say, the Arkansas Razorbacks' staff.
There is (a lot) more to this story, methinks...
