Hugues Fabrice Zango, the 30-year-old triple jump sensation from Burkina Faso, secured the gold medal at the World Athletics Indoor Championship in Glasgow with a leap of 17.53 meters on his fifth attempt.
Zango, who previously clinched the world championship in the outdoor triple jump in Hungary last August, described the victory as crucial for his country.
In a nation without prominent sporting figures, he sees himself as an example, emphasizing the impact of his success on sports politics in Burkina Faso.
Acknowledging the significance of his achievements, Zango highlighted the positive changes in Burkina Faso’s sports landscape since 2019. His global success prompted the Ministry of Sport to sponsor young athletes, showcasing the transformative power of sporting achievements on the national stage.
As a Doctor of Electrical Engineering, Zango’s dedication to athletics has not only brought medals but has also catalyzed support for aspiring athletes in his home country
Zango, who made history as Burkina Faso’s first Olympic medallist with a bronze in the triple jump at the 2020 Tokyo Games, is now eyeing success at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
This recent triumph at the World Athletics Indoor Championship marks his third success in 2024, reflecting a promising trajectory for the seasoned athlete.
As he plans to conclude his athletic career post-Paris 2024, Zango harbors the dream of delivering Burkina Faso its inaugural Olympic gold medal, aiming to leave a lasting legacy in the realm of sports for his nation.
