Burkina Faso shines at u18 and u20 five nations athletics championships

Burkina Faso’s young track and field athletes delivered outstanding performances at the 2026 U18 and U20 Five Nations Championships, held in Ouagadougou from July 25 to 26. With a total of 67 medals, the country claimed the top spot, outpacing neighboring nations including Bénin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo.

Among the standout athletes was triple jumper Zalissa Zongo, who dominated the competition by winning nearly six gold medals, including a national record in her event. “I’m thrilled—I broke my own record, going from 13.12 to 13.33,” she shared. “But this is just the beginning; my sights are set on 14.01, and I’m already preparing for the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar and the world junior championships in Eugene.”

The Burkinabè team topped the overall standings with 27 gold, 30 silver, and 10 bronze medals. Bénin followed in second place with 29 medals, trailed by Côte d’Ivoire (14), Togo (21), and Ghana (12). A total of 143 medals were distributed across all events.

U18 athletes lead the charge

Missiri Sawadogo, Technical Director of the Burkina Faso Athletics Federation, expressed pride in the team’s achievements, noting that over a dozen national records were shattered during the championships. “Athletes like Zalissa Zongo and rising star Allan, who improved his personal best by 4 cm to 16.09, showcased exceptional talent,” he remarked. “This competition serves as a vital launchpad for young athletes in the region.”

In the U18 category, Burkina Faso secured 39 medals—17 gold, 17 silver, and 5 bronze—with female athletes earning 20 medals and male athletes 19. These results firmly established Burkina Faso as the leading nation in this age group.

U20 athletes cement Burkina Faso’s lead

The U20 athletes continued the momentum, adding 28 more medals—10 gold, 13 silver, and 5 bronze. Male athletes contributed 16 medals while female athletes brought in 12, reinforcing Burkina Faso’s dominance in the overall rankings. French Vokouma, President of the Burkina Faso Athletics Federation, praised the team’s consistency and dedication.

This impressive medal haul underscores the depth of Burkina Faso’s athletics talent. With strong performances in sprints, jumps, throws, and relays, the country’s rising stars are poised for success in future regional and continental competitions, including the Youth Olympic Games and the world junior championships.