Abdoulaye Aziz Boly sets new 5000m record in Burkina Faso

Bobo-Dioulasso, the economic capital of Burkina Faso, was buzzing with athletics action last Saturday and Sunday as the second National Athletics Day took place at the Stade Sangoulé Lamizana. The second day was highlighted by the 5000m record. With a time of 14 min 49 sec, Abdoulaye Aziz Boly is the new Burkina Faso record holder over 5000m. The performance, which is awaiting ratification by the Burkinabè Athletics Federation, beats the previous national record of 14 min 51 sec, held by Charles Neboua since 1996.

Abdoulaye Aziz Boly: "It was a goal..."

"I'm very, very happy with this result. It was a goal. I'm pleased to have achieved it because everybody has been waiting for it for quite a while. And I've just done it, thank God. Thank you to everyone who believed in me," said a delighted Abdoulaye Aziz Boly, before revealing the secret behind his success: "The secret is what we all know: keep working. Last year I was at 15 minutes and this year, through hard work, I've got into the 14s. So it's about continuing the work and not letting up."

Beyond Abdoulaye Aziz Boly's record, this second National Athletics Day was rich in performances. In the U20 category, Ali Badra Berthe also set a new 400m record, with a time of 48"02. The established stars Sita Sibiri in the 100m and 400m and Soumaila Sabo in the long jump lived up to their billing.

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Missiri Sawadogo, national technical director of the Burkinabè Athletics Federation (FBA), was satisfied with the outcome: "It's a great source of satisfaction, and I think that's why we organise this day: so the best can express themselves, so that everyone can see where they stand against the season's objectives, and so that we, at our level, can deliver on them."

With these new records set across the second national day, Burkinabè athletics looks to have a promising season ahead.