Zan Alfred Bady «Caterpillar» in defense of his world title in powerlifting

One day before the kick-off of the IPF 2025 World Powerlifting Championships, which will take place from December 4 to 7 in Moscow, Russia, Zan Alfred Bady, reigning World Champion, nicknamed "Caterpillar" for his ability to crush everything in his path, is about to defend his crown in the Russian arena. In a training room in Ouagadougou, far from the spotlight, the Burkinabe colossus is refining the final details. Each repetition, each bar folded under the load, is a promise: that of bringing back a second consecutive world gold medal to Burkina Faso.

Ablam GNAMESSO

2 minutes de lecture

“Since last year, we have been working and I think we have evolved. My manager and my coach have put something in place especially for me this year to be able to surpass my level from last year,"

he says between two sets, his gaze black, his breathing calm despite the protruding veins. Caterpillar is not afraid of the Muscovite cold nor of the opponents.

Since his historic consecration last year, Zan Alfred Bady has become an absolute reference. The videos of his exploits loop on social networks, the kids in Burkina Faso take him as a model. Between military discipline, sporting rigor and unwavering determination, Caterpillar lives up to its name. But it is especially his mind that impresses. A will of iron forged in the service of Burkina Faso, which he represents with pride. He doesn’t just come to participate.

In Moscow, Zan Alfred Bady will wear the colors of Burkina Faso with additional pressure: that of being the flag bearer of a Burkinabe powerlifting in full ascension. But above all, he will carry on his massive shoulders the hope of a Burkina that is already vibrating to the rhythm of its bars. It is our duty to go out, to show everyone that Burkina Faso exists. We are going to bring something, it will be a surprise. We wait to see together what will happen on the D-day.

From 4 to 7 December, the world will have its eyes on the Russian capital. And when Caterpillar goes up on the set, it won’t be just an athlete who will lift tons of cast iron. It will be the colossus burkinabe ready to keep his title.