The bronze medalist in the triple jump at the World Championships in Birmingham (2003), Kène Ndoye, died during the night of 13 to 14 February after battling since 2012 against a degenerative disease. After the announcement of her death, the editorial staff of Sport News Africa wanted to pay tribute to her by republishing a report about her and describing her difficult living conditions since her retirement.
Less than three years ago, Senegal learned of the death of Pape Bouba Diop after a long illness. The hero of the 2002 World Cup with the Teranga Lions lived his illness for two years. But in total anonymity.
This is what Kène Ndoye has been going through for more than 8 years. The multiple African champion of the triple jump and the long jump saw her career brutally stopped by the disease in 2012. Bedridden since then, she finds all the difficulties in the world to pay her care. It is thus in the total indifference of the sports authorities that the champion lives her misfortune. With a devoted mother certainly at her side to help her daily.
One of the most beautiful records of Senegalese athletics
Representative of the beautiful generation of the years 2000 of the Senegalese athletics with Amy Mbacké Thiam (world champion of the 400 m hurdles in 2001) or Ndiss Kaba Badji (6th in the Olympic Games in 2008), Kène holds one of the most beautiful prize list of this sport in Senegal. With no less than fifteen continental medals (long jump, triple jump, 100 m hurdles and 4 x 400 m relay), she is one of the few Senegalese to win a world medal.
It was in 2003 in triple jump at the World Indoor Championships in Birmingham (England). With a jump of 14m72. She is also in the very closed circle of jumpers having crossed the mark of 15m on the triple jump. Kène Ndoye also holds the Senegalese records for the long jump and the triple jump. And she was awarded the Golden Lion in 2003. This trophy rewards the best Senegalese athlete of the year.
The Ministry of Sports offers 10 million FCFA
On the web, a post signed by a neighbor Modou Guèye Seck entitled "Bouba is gone, Kène not yet" had the effect of a reminder. Thus, as a whistleblower, this family friend has put a big kick in the anthill. And the Internet users have made a formidable relay that has reached the highest authorities of the country.
While for years, his SOS to the presidency of the Republic remained unanswered, Kène Ndoye was granted an envelope of 10 million CFA francs, the Ministry of Sports on the instructions of President Macky Sall. A beginning of solution, not certain however that it covers the totality of the expenses of his disease which, according to his close relations, is very rare.
Long before this gesture of the State, it was anonymous people who launched a collection through money transfers.
