Burkina Faso’s Hugues Fabrice Zango clinched his maiden global title in a thrilling men’s triple jump final filled with dramatic shifts, ultimately sharing the podium with two Cuban athletes, who were separated by a mere centimetre.
The 30-year-old athlete, based in France, added the most coveted gold to his collection after previously winning Olympic bronze and world silver and bronze medals.
Zango’s triumphant moment unfolded at the World Athletics Championships Budapest 23, where he showcased his prowess by taking an early lead, losing it momentarily, and then reclaiming it with a standout jump of 17.64m.
The silver medal was secured by 25-year-old Lazaro Martinez with a distance of 17.41m, closely followed by his 24-year-old teammate Cristian Napoles, who achieved a personal best of 17.40m to earn the bronze.
Unfortunately, 18-year-old rising talent Jaydon Hibbert from Jamaica had to withdraw from the competition after the first round. Regardless of his early exit, Hibbert’s potential was evident, especially after his impressive 17.87m jump in May, leading this year’s world list.
Zango, ranking second on this year’s world list with 17.81m, initially took control of the contest with an opening jump of 17.37m, giving him a substantial lead over Algeria’s Yaser Triki, his closest challenger in the first round.
The competition’s dynamics shifted in the second round as Martinez achieved a leap of 17.41m, pushing Zango to second place. China’s Zhu Yaming and Napoles also showcased their skills, making the contest highly competitive.
In the fourth round, Napoles secured a personal best of 17.40m, earning him the silver medal position. Zango responded with a jump of 17.36m, keeping him in the bronze position.
However, Zango’s fortunes took a turn in the fifth round when he soared to the lead with a jump of 17.64m, while Martinez fouled out.
As the final round approached, Zhu improved his best to 17.15m, but the spotlight remained on Zango as he was confirmed as the champion. In a moment of triumph, Zango wrapped himself in his national flag, signifying his historic achievement.
With immense joy and composure, Zango expressed, “I promised to make history and I did it tonight. That is the first gold medal in the men’s triple jump not only for my country but for Africa as well. I cannot imagine the level of celebration in my country when I go back home, but I’m going to start the celebrations in Budapest.”
