Paris 2024 – Burkina Faso: Sawadogo and Zango are the last medal hopes
Hugues Fabrice Zango in the triple jump and Fayçal Sawadogo in taekwondo are now Burkina Faso's two remaining medal hopes at the 2024 Olympics.
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Burkina Faso's flag bearer at these 2024 Olympics, Hugues Fabrice Zango, did not have to overexert himself to reach the triple jump final. The reigning world champion, with plenty of meeting experience behind him, booked his place in the final with a jump of 17.16m on his first attempt in the semi-final. It was enough to see him through to the final.
A bronze medallist in Tokyo 3 years ago, Hugues Fabrice Zongo is naturally targeting gold. "I'm ready. This year is mine. I'm getting a little closer to my dream of an Olympic gold medal. I will make this dream come true. The people are behind me and I'm in the form of my life, quite simply. I will give everything and you will see. Bear witness to my determination," he declares.
Read also: 2024 Olympics: Hugues Fabrice Zango aims to win gold
Hugues Fabrice Zango's determination and performances are fuelling the hopes of many Burkinabè. "We really wish you good luck. You must do honour to the land of the Upright People. We do not doubt you for a single moment, the future Olympic champion," says Gilles Sangaré in a confident tone. Souleymane Kaboré said: "In a competition like this, victory always starts with communication. Very good communication, which shows he carries the name of a people. You have already won. Courage and good luck to you." The enthusiasm is just as strong with Traoré Abdoul, who puts everything in God's hands: "May God and the spirits of our worthy ancestors assist you, give you the right inspiration, the energy, the strength, the determination, the courage so that you bring us back the gold medal, Champion."
Fayçal Sawadogo out to cause a surprise
Reigning African champion in the -80 kg category, Fayçal Sawadogo, the Burkinabè taekwondo athlete, is in the quarter-finals of his event at the 2024 Olympics. To get there, he beat Serbia's Stefan TAKOV (2-0) in Paris in the -80kg category, a win in 2 rounds for the "Étalon" of Taekwondo, 6-4 and 10-7.
Fayçal Sawadogo, who wants to be on the podium whatever the colour of the medal, is all the more optimistic for the rest of the competition. "History is possible at these Games," he says, before adding that his goal is: "Without a doubt, to win an Olympic medal for Burkina Faso at these Paris 2024 Games. I want Burkina Faso to be etched forever in the history of these Games. But this goal must not be just personal, it must be shared, and everyone must do their bit. Together we are more formidable," he explains.
All Burkinabè are following the two athletes still in competition, hoping they will bring medals home. Hugues Fabrice Zango's final leap for glory will take place this Friday 9 August from 18:13 GMT. Zango will be in action in the triple jump final.