From a toddler abandoned by her father, Sweden-born young Gambian lady is one of the greatest young athletes in Scandinavia.

Khaddi Sagnia is undoubtedly one of the most-talked about young female athletes in Sweden right now. She was last week named as the “Best Breakthrough Athlete” in 2015 by a leading Swedish newspaper, Expressen.

The 21-year-old long jumper is viewed by many as an inspiration for her ability to overcome odds. Born in Sweden to Gambian parents, Khaddi had a very tough upbringing.

She is the youngest in a family of eight children. According to the Swedish media, her father walked away from them when she was a toddler.

“My sisters and brothers were always there to support me,” she was quoted as saying. “It wasn’t difficult for my mum to bring us up. We were united and helped each other when it was needed.”

The long jumper has won dozens of medals and awards since she started her career at the age 16.

She made an extraordinary comeback in 2013 after a leg injury that kept her away from the long jump pit for more than two years.

In an interview with a Swedish newspaper, Khaddi thanked her family for encouraging her

not to give up during her period of medical treatment.

She said: “My siblings never gave up on me, my mum never gave up on me, and so I never thought of giving up. I knew I will come back.”

The 21-year-old is now eyeing the Rio Olympics.