The young track and field stars of Burkina Faso delivered an outstanding display at the U18 and U20 Five Nations Championships held in Ouagadougou from July 25 to 26, 2026. With a total of 67 medals, the nation secured the top position ahead of Benin, Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Togo.

Among the standout performers was Zalissa Zongo, who claimed nearly six gold medals, including a national record in the triple jump. “I’m thrilled to have broken my own record. I had 13.12 meters before, now I’ve reached 13.33 meters,” she shared. But this is just the beginning—I’m aiming for 14.01 meters,” she added, setting her sights on the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar and the World Junior Championships in Eugene.

Burkina Faso dominated the overall standings with 67 medals—27 gold, 30 silver, and 10 bronze—outpacing its rivals. Benin took second place with 29 medals, followed by Ivory Coast (14), Togo (21), and Ghana (12), with a total of 143 medals awarded across all events.

U18 category leads the charge

“This is a proud moment for our athletics federation, as we saw over a dozen national records shattered. Athletes like Zalissa Zongo, who claimed nearly six gold medals, and young Allan, who improved his personal best by 4 cm to 16.09 meters, truly inspired us,” said Missiri Sawadogo, Technical Director of the Burkina Faso Athletics Federation. He emphasized that the Five Nations Championships serve as a vital platform for nurturing young talent in the region.

In the U18 category, Burkina Faso’s young athletes delivered exceptional results, earning 39 medals—17 gold, 17 silver, and 5 bronze. The girls contributed 20 medals, while the boys secured 19, solidifying the nation’s lead in this age group.

U20 athletes maintain momentum

The U20 athletes continued the winning streak, adding 28 more medals—10 gold, 13 silver, and 5 bronze. The boys claimed 16 medals, and the girls earned 12, reinforcing Burkina Faso’s commanding lead in the overall rankings. French Vokouma, President of the Burkina Faso Athletics Federation, praised the athletes for their dedication and performance.

This medal haul underscores the bright future of Burkina Faso’s athletics. With strong showings in sprints, jumps, throws, and relays, the nation’s young stars are poised for success in upcoming regional and continental competitions, including the Youth Olympic Games and the World Junior Athletics Championships.