Ouagadougou: Burkina Faso emerged victorious at the U18 and U20 Five Nations Athletics Championships, held from July 25 to 26 in Ouagadougou, by securing a total of 67 medals. This impressive performance placed them ahead of competitors from Benin, Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Togo. Zalissa Zongo, a standout athlete, clinched six gold medals, making a significant impact on the event.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Burkina Faso's athletes dominated the championships, showcasing their prowess in various events. They finished with 67 medals, significantly ahead of Benin's 29 medals, Togo's 21, Ivory Coast's 14, and Ghana's 12. This victory underscores the growing strength of Burkinabe athletics on the sub-regional stage.
Zalissa Zongo was a key contributor to Burkina Faso's success. She not only secured six titles but also set a new national record in the triple jump with a leap of 13.33 meters, surpassing her previous record of 13.12 meters. Expressing her satisfaction, Zongo stated, "I am very happy to have improved my own record. However, this is only one step, as my goal is to reach 14.01 meters," highlighting her ambitions for future competitions like the Dakar Youth Olympic Games and the World Junior Championships in Eugene, USA.
Missiri Sawadogo, vice-president of the Burkinabe Athletics Federation and former national technical director, applauded the athletes for their remarkable performances. He noted that over a dozen national records were improved during the competition, with impressive achievements from athletes such as Zalissa Zongo and Alan, who improved his record to 16.09 meters.
In the under-18 (U18) category, Burkina Faso claimed 39 medals, including 17 gold, 17 silver, and 5 bronze. The girls secured 20 medals, while the boys earned 19, giving Burkina Faso a commanding lead in this category.
The U20 athletes continued the momentum, adding 28 medals to the national tally, with 10 gold, 13 silver, and 5 bronze. Boys contributed 16 medals, while girls added 12, reinforcing Burkina Faso's dominance in the overall standings.
Fran§ais Vokouma, president of the Burkinabe Athletics Federation, praised the young athletes' performances, noting that they reflect the ongoing progress of athletics in Burkina Faso. The significant medal haul signals the emergence of a promising new generation of athletes, raising hopes for upcoming continental and international competitions, including the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar and the World Junior Athletics Championships.