These conversations represent the second and third times I met with Laye in person. Two of my friends introduced us because they knew I studied religion and wrestling. Coincidentally, back in May 2019, I saw one of Laye's wrestling matches at a stadium in Dakar. I interviewed him for a total of two hours at one of the homes of the current Senegalese wrestling champion and the head of Laye's wrestling school/group. These schools/groups are known as écuries, which is French for "stable."
Notes: 1.)These conversations were conducted in Wolof and French, so the answers are edited and translated from two interviews, specifically to fit this RTW format. 2.) I have also tried to add additional information that will be of use to you for your project with Mr. Douglas.
My full name is Abdoulaye Ndiaye, but my name in the arena is Laye Pythagore. I did not have this name at first, but people who watched me wrestle gave me the name. In the arena I am like a mathematician; I like to calculate. [Notice the use of his nickname in the pictures.]
