The log lift world championship took place on Saturday, October 21, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. Defending champion Cheick Al-Hassan Sanou (aka Iron Biby) from Burkina Faso held his own, lifting 230 kg, 20 kg more than his closest rival Tom Stoltman (210 kg). With this 230 kg weight, he improved on the world record of 229 kg, which he had held since 2021. With a 5th world championship title, the man nicknamed the World's Strongest Man enters a little more into the history of his sport.
Returning to Burkina Faso on Saturday, October 28, 2023, after his fifth Log lift world championship title, Iron Biby received a hero's welcome at Ouagadougou international airport.
"The world recognizes that the most powerful man in the world is from Burkina Faso".
With a world medal around his neck, a trophy in his hand and a smile on his face, he received the honors due to his feat. The national anthem, the crowd bath and the jubilant Burkinabè were all there to thank Iron Biby for his record-breaking achievement. "The name Burkina Faso has become a sun that the world will never be able to hide with its hand. The world recognizes that the most powerful man in the world lives in the land of men of integrity," enthuses César Badolo.
Ousmane Kaboré was very moved to see the Burkinabe colossus, confessing: "I was so proud to see Iron Biby. May God bless the rest of your career, champion".Pascal Yaméogo, one of the hundreds of fans who greeted Iron Biby's return home with great fanfare, was equally quick to congratulate the World's Strongest Man. "Bravo champion.You have brought joy to our people. Thank you for honouring the Defence and Security Forces (FDS) and the Volunteers for the Defence of the Homeland (VDP). The message was powerful".
Iron Biby, congratulated by Captain Ibrahim Traoré The President of the Transition, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, also expressed his satisfaction with the Burkinabè athlete. "My warmest congratulations to our compatriot Cheick Ahmed Al-Hassan Sanou alias Iron Biby who won the World log lift challenge in Glasgow, Scotland. He beat his own record by taming the 230 kg load. In addition to honoring his country and the people of Burkina Faso, Iron Biby is a symbol of the fighting spirit and resilience of the Burkinabè people, who always stand tall and proud. Bravo Champion!
On his part, the world champion hailed the day's mobilization on the occasion of his return home, and said he was proud to have broken the record.
He promised to work harder to break other records in future challenges."I'm filled with joy and pride.Right now, Burkina is in trouble and that gives us the courage to stay on our feet, to know that Burkina has valiant sons who can do it honor."
After his memorable victory in Scotland, the strongest man in the world posed with a banner attached to his head, reading "VDP". Iron Biby is paying tribute to the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP), the civilians who, in the name of the nation's best interests, fight day and night alongside the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) against terrorists in Burkina Faso.
Promises from the StateSpeaking of the VDP, he said: "I entered this year's competition with the VDP mentality, because despite my injuries, I had to remain mentally strong.Thinking of the men and women who defend our nation in the north, I had to do my bit.
Welcomed off the plane by a delegation from the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Employment (MSJE), Iron Biby once again received congratulations from the Minister of Sports, the President of the Transition and the Prime Minister, hailing his exemplary fight.Taking advantage of the occasion, the Minister of Sports promised to improve.
Taking advantage of the occasion, the Minister of Sport promised to improve conditions for the development of sport in Burkina Faso.
A true icon in his homeland, Iron Biby was at the root of the discovery of log lift in Burkina Faso and West Africa.He has become a source of inspiration for the whole of Burkina Faso, demonstrating that strength and determination can overcome obstacles, even the most difficult.
